National Concrete Pavement Technology Center

Project description

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a groundbreaking cementitious material that has the potential for innovative structural use that makes lighter, more durable, and overall lower cost structures. Very low water-to-cementitious material ratios and high dosages of fibers are used to give UHPC high compressive strength, high tensile strength, and high toughness. Because the high tensile strength and toughness are key benefits of, and reasons to use, UHPC in Florida structures, a method to measure the UHPC tensile stress-strain relationship is needed. A specification for material acceptance and construction using field-cast, proprietary UHPC materials is also needed. Part of this study included a literature review, surveys of departments of transportation, and reviews of UHPC material specifications from other countries to help establish UHPC material and construction requirements for Florida. An experimental program was created to test UHPC flexural and tensile strengths. Based on the survey and experimental results, recommendations were made for a UHPC tensile test method, and material and construction specifications.