HIGH-PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Topics

Introductions
Latest demands regarding reinforced concrete

structures, with ever expansion in height and length, require the use of concrete with superior physical and mechanical properties. The use of high performance concrete for reinforced concrete structures meets the requirements, with several advantages in terms of cost and slenderness. The durability of high strength concrete is also extremely beneficial in a long term analysis.

Definitions
ACI (American Concrete Institute)defined high-

performance concrete as a concrete meeting special combinations of performance and uniformity requirements that cannot always be achieved routinely using conventional constituents and normal mixing, placing, and curing practice.

 High-performance concrete (HPC) exceeds the properties

and constructability of normal concrete. Normal and special materials are used to make these specially designed concretes that must meet a combination of performance requirements. Special mixing, placing, and curing practices may be needed to produce and handle high-performance concrete. Extensive performance tests are usually required to demonstrate compliance with specific project needs (ASCE 1993, Russell 1999, and Bickley and Mitchell 2001). High-performance concrete has been primarily used in tunnels, bridges, and tall buildings for its strength, durability, and high modulus of elasticity. It has also been used in shotcrete repair, poles, parking garages, and agricultural applications.

High-performance concrete

New Benicia-Martinez Bridge

Burj Khalifa Building

High-performance concrete characteristics

High strength High early strength High modulus of elasticity High abrasion resistance High durability and long life in severe environments Low permeability and diffusion Resistance to chemical attack High resistance to frost and deicer scaling damage Toughness and impact resistance Volume stability Ease of placement Compaction without segregation Inhibition of bacterial and mold growth

Characteristics that may be considered critical for particular application

Ease of placement

Compaction without segregation

Early age strength &Long-term strength and

mechanical properties Permeability Heat of hydration Long life in severe environments

Note: according to the ACI definition, durability under severe environmental conditions is an

optional, not a mandatory requirement for HPC.

Material Used in HPC

Material Primary contribution/Desired property Cementing material/durability Cementing material/durability/high strength Cementing material/durability/high strength Portland cement Blended cement

Fly ash or Silica fume

Admixture

Ari Entraining Chemical Admixture Mineral Admixture

Work ability /Reduce paste demand Durability

Optimally graded aggregate Polymer/latex modifiers

HSC compare to Normal Concrete

Flowability/Pumpability Workability/Compactability Bleeding Easier Easier None or Negligible

Finishing
Setting Time Early Strength (up to 7-day) Ultimate Strength- 90day + Crack Resistance Plastic Shrinkage Thermal Shrinkage Lower Drying Shrinkage

Quicker
Slower up to 2 h Lower but can be accelerated Higher Higher Higher (If unprotected) Lower Lower

HSC compare to Normal Concrete (continue)

Resistance to Penetration of Chloride Ions Electrical Resistivity Durability Resistance to Sulfate Attack Resistance to Alkali-Silica Expansion Resistance to Reinforcement Corrosion Very high after 3 months Very high after 3 months Very high Very high High Lower Similar Very low Very high

Cost Materials Labor Life Cycle

Environmental Benefits ( Reduced CO2 emission)

Example of building
Off-shore

Oil drilling platform

Long span bridge Bridge-deck Pavements Parking Structure

Conclusion
The application of new superplastizicer and powders in

high performance concrete give the opportunity to produce self-compacting concretes that easily reach a compressive strength of more than 150 MPa. These concretes show a very good workability in the fresh state, also the hardened concrete shows excellent quality. Future interests will try to reduce autogenous shrinkage to minimize the crack tendency of the young concrete. Further investigations to optimize the mix proportions will aim to the application of this concrete on site.

Reference