Title : ADVANCING UHPC IN THE UNITED STATES CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION MARKET
Authors : Theresa (Tess) M. Ahlborn, Ph.D., P.E., F.ACI, F.PCI
Publication : 8 - 10, October 2015
Volume : 1
Pages :
Price : 250
Abstract : Ultra-high performance concrete is a relatively new and advanced material to the United States. Since its introduction nearly two decades ago, infrastructure enhancements are being developed for buildings, bridges, and other critical lifeline systems. However, as promising as UHPC appears, the material has numerous challenges before widespread implementation in the U.S. is possible. There is currently no commonly accepted standard definition of the material, or nationally accepted test methods for material performance under varying environmental conditions. In addition, there are no production standards for quality control in manufacturing facilities. There are no design guides (e.g. buildings, bridges, blast protection systems) for engineers and owners to create confidence in system performance. And there are only a handful of large-scale projects in the U.S. for owners to reference for lowering risk of implementation. This presentation will focus on some of the advances in overcoming these challenges, including understanding the impact of thermal or steam treatment on prestress loss and long-term deflection response of UHPC prestressed systems and the importance of field-representative laboratory testing for implementation. Integrated activities of the American Concrete Institute in addressing several of these challenges will also be discussed.