Abstract
1- Introduction
2- Application of UHPC in bridge engineering
3- UHPC studies in other aspects
4- Summary
References
Abstract
Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is a type of cement-based composite, which is the most innovative product in concrete technology during the last 30 years. The advantages of UHPC compared with the common concrete, such as superior mechanical performance, excellent anti-seismic property and resistance against environmental degradation are introduced in the paper. The paper begins by briefly introducing its history of development and technical performance. Then, the research and application situation of UHPC in bridge engineering are discussed and many practical applications in bridge bearing component, bridge deck pavement and bridge joints are summarized. Moreover, the paper analyzes advantages and shortcomings of UHPC and the constraints for the application of UHPC in bridge engineering. In addition, the performance of UHPC in seismic resistance and anti-explosion is briefly summarized. Based on these works, prediction of UHPC further research in the future is prospected.
Introduction
Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is one of the most innovative cement-based structural engineering materials developed in the last 30 years from the perspective of mechanical properties and durability of concrete construction. As early as 1930, Andresen and Andressen established the mathematical model of the maximum packing density theory. However, the first generation of UHPC designed by the model, called CRC (Compact Reinforced Composite), was born in Aalborg, Denmark until the development of superplasticizer became mature. CRC used sintered bauxite as aggregate, and steel fiber was mixed to improve the material’s toughness. Influenced by the performance of superplasticizer at that time, CRC or early UHPC was difficult to achieve satisfactory uniformity by vibration for its viscosity. At the beginning of this century, ‘‘UHPC” was defined for the first time in Europe. With the improvement of design principles and the introduction of ultra-efficient superplasticizer (Polycarboxylic acid), UHPC has a common concrete construction performance in self-compacting compared with the earlier CRC or RPC.