Title: Durability Based Design of UHPC Structures: A Performance Based Approach Based on Extensive Laboratory Research and Long Term in Situ Observations

Author(s): Alobaidi

Publication: Web Session

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DOI:

Date: 3/28/2022

Abstract:
The increasing consumption of the concrete materials around the world, necessitates the development of innovative and durable materials. ReSHEALience project has developed the concept of Ultra High Durability Concrete (UHDC), defined as a strain-hardening fiber reinforced cementitious material with macro and nano scale functionalized constituents especially added to obtain a high durability in the cracked stage under extremely aggressive exposure conditions. The main source of the concrete degradation is the presence of the cracks which will be accelerated when combined with chemical liquid exposures over time. Therefore, a prolonged experimental investigation of the degradation mechanical properties of UHDC beams and slabs was planned. Different types of exposures combined with different serviceability stress/ crack width levels have been applied into UHDC specimens. The sustained stress level throughout the exposure time has been introduced with a suitably developed experimental set-up and methodology, the stressed and cracked conditioned specimens are being assessed at regular schedules for mechanical and durability indicator investigations. Based on the results of the experimental investigation, the methodology for service life assessment and durability-based design approach, as already proposed in the concept framework within the project, is being validated against the performance monitoring of real-life structure made by the same material within the framework of the Horizon 2020 RESHEALience project. Throughout these extensive experimental investigations and long-term validations of real structures, several challenges have been remarked starting from casting, test setup preparation, testing and interpretations of the results. UHPC specimens with different scales also brought with them different level of complexity. However, the eagerness of obtaining promising results from such innovative materials and the implemented structural elements have always kept.