Abstract

This paper reports strategies to design the binder phase of ultra-high performance concretes (UHPC) from commonly available cement replacement (fly ash, slag, microsilica, metakaolin) and fine filler (limestone) materials. A packing algorithm is used to extract the number density, mean centroidal distance, and coordination number of the microstructure. Similarly, rheological studies on the pastes provide yield stress, plastic viscosity, and min-slump spread. The selection criteria involves using the three microstructural and three rheological parameters individually or in combination to define packing and flow coefficients. The selection criteria is flexible enough to allow users modify the constraints depending on the application. In this study, only ternary and quaternary blends, with a total cement replacement of 30% by mass are selected for further characterization. The highly efficient microstructural packing in these mixtures and better workability that facilitated dispersion of particles to enhance the reactivity results in beneficial pore structure and mechanical properties.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)179-190
Number of pages12
JournalCement and Concrete Research
Volume103
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2018

Keywords

  • Compressive strength
  • Hydration
  • Microstructure
  • Rheology
  • Ultra-high performance concrete

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Building and Construction
  • General Materials Science

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