Title:
Development of Nonproprietary Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Mixtures for Precast Bridge Girders
Author(s):
H. Hong, A. Fatima, A. Mukhopadhyay, M. D. Hueste, J. B. Mander, and S. Hurlebaus
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
123-136
Keywords:
durability; fresh properties; hardened properties; high early strength gain; mixture development; nonproprietary; precast; pretensioned girder; ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC)
DOI:
10.14359/51742043
Date:
9/1/2024
Abstract:
Although ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is one of the
promising materials for precast bridge girder applications due
to its advanced properties and durability, its implementation in
the precast industry is subject to several potential concerns. To
support implementation, this paper presents the development of
nonproprietary UHPC mixtures for precast, pretensioned UHPC
bridge girder applications. The nonproprietary UHPC mixtures
were developed using materials commonly available in the Texas
precast industry, with the additional requirement of obtaining a
compressive strength of 12 to 14 ksi (83 to 97 MPa) within 24 hours
without any heat treatment while maintaining the current precast,
pretensioned bridge girder fabrication practices. The fresh, hardened, and durability properties of both laboratory- and plant-made UHPC mixtures were investigated. The research results show that the selected nonproprietary UHPC mixture developed in a laboratory setting can be successfully produced in a precast plant setting with comparable properties.