Developing Sustainable Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Abstract

[EN] Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is characterized by high durability and enhanced mechanical properties. However, proprietary UHPC is not an eco-friendly material due to its high cement content. To improve these aspects, experimental research was carried out to develop nonproprietary, sustainable ultra-high-performance concrete (SUHPC) mixtures. Two contemporary supplementary cementitious materials-glass powder (GP) and vitrified calcium aluminosilicate (VCAS)-along with two conventional supplementary cementitious materials-fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF)-were used for the UHPC mixture design. Graded natural sand was used throughout the experimental program. Several mixture proportions were tested and analyzed. Concrete compressive strength was selected as a key indicator representing UHPC mechanical properties as other mechanical properties can be related to it. The experimental results showed that supplementary cementitious materials can improve the compressive strength and reduce the cement content. A cost analysis revealed an SUHPC mixture can be developed with a substantial cost reduction-up to 85% compared to the commercial UHPC mixtures.