PMSS Project Details

Project ID:	FHWA-PROJ-11-0189
Project Name:	Compression Response of a Rapid-Strengthening Ultra-High Performance Concrete Formulation
Status:	Completed
Contact:	Last Name: Graybeal First Name: Benjamin A (Ben) Telephone: 202-493-3122 E-mail: benjamin.graybeal@dot.gov
Organization:	Federal Highway Administration - Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC)
Office:	Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Team:	Bridge and Foundation Engineering Team
Roadmap/Focus area(s):	Infrastructure Research and Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap
Project Description:	Compressive mechanical properties are critical indicators of the degree of hydration of concrete and are frequently used as indicators of other mechanical and durability properties. The rate of compressive mechanical response development is of importance to construction projects wherein the concrete hydration is on the critical path. Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), when used in field-cast connections between prefabricated bridge elements, can create robust connections that emulate monolithic components. Traditional UHPC formulations tend to express a delay prior to setting and initial mechanical property development. This research program investigated the compressive mechanical response of a new UHPC formulation intended for use in field-cast infrastructure connections. The time to initiation and rate of property development was observed to be influenced by the ambient environment surrounding the concrete during curing. At an elevated curing temperature, the UHPC was observed to reach 10,000 pounds per square inch compressive strength at 11 hours. The compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, axial strain at peak strength, and overall stress-strain response were captured under three curing conditions from early age through 56 days after casting.
Laboratories:	Concrete Laboratory
Start Date:	August 1, 2011
End Date:	September 30, 2012
Funding Amount:	$50,000.00
FHWA Program Name:	IRT (Infrastructure Research and Technology)
Goals:	The objective of this research study was to evaluate the compressive mechanical response of a rapid strengthening ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) formulation when exposed to a range of curing conditions. This research result is critical to the broader use of UHPC-class materials as field-cast grouts in connections between Prefabricated Bridge Elements and Systems (PBES) components.
Project Type:	Onsite
Background Information:	Data not yet available
Test Methodology:	Complete standardized and modified material tests to assess basic compressive mechanical properties. Analyze results in context of prior research on similar materials.
Other Information:	Data not yet available
Partners:	Data not yet available
More Information URL(s):
Fieldtest:	Data not yet available
Expected Benefits:	This project will facilitate the broader use of ultra-high performance concrete-class materials, thus allowing for the construction of a more robust, durable highway infrastructure.
Deliverables:	1. Name: Compression Response of a Rapid-Strengthening Ultra-High Performance Concrete Formulation. Product Type(s): Research report, Technical report Description: Full report providing the results of the research. Audiences: Academics, Bridge design professionals, Bridge owners, City and county agencies, Concrete industry, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center staff, Implementers, Local bridge owners, Researchers, State departments of transportation, State highway agencies Secondary Audiences: 2. Name: Compression Response of a Rapid-Strengthening Ultra-High Performance Concrete Formulation Product Type(s): Techbrief Description: TechBrief. Executive Summary of the findings of the research. Audiences: Academics, Bridge design professionals, Bridge owners, City and county agencies, Concrete industry, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center staff, Implementers, Local bridge owners, Other highway agencies, Researchers, State highway agencies, State departments of transportation Secondary Audiences: Publication URL(s): http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/infrastructure/structures/hpc/12064/index.cfm
Related URL(s):
Project Findings:	Data not yet available
FHWA Topics:	Roads and Bridges--Construction and Project Management Roads and Bridges--Design Roads and Bridges--Structures Research/Technologies--FHWA Research and Technology Research/Technologies--Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) Research/Technologies--FHWA Priority Market-Ready Technologies and Innovations Roads and Bridges--Pavement and Materials
TRT Terms:	Concrete Structures Infrastructure Bridges Prefabricated Bridges Concrete Research Grout
FHWA Disciplines:	Construction and Project Management Design Structures Pavement and Materials
Subject Areas:	Bridges and other structures Materials Research Construction