Initial Characterization of Geopolymer Based UHPC Material Properties

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has great potential as a structural material for bridge engineering due to its excellent strength, ductility, and durability. However, the high Portland cement content required by conventional UHPC poses a major obstacle to widespread practical application because of its high cost and CO2 emissions. Introducing any sort of composites as replacements for Portland cement would have a positive impact on the practical applications of UHPC. This research project investigated the mechanical properties (such as compression, tension, bending strength, and modulus of elasticity) of geopolymer-based UHPC and a type of composite UHPC using Iowa materials to explore the feasibility of their use in UHPC for transportation infrastructure. In this study, different ultra-high-performance geopolymer (UHPG) mixes were formulated, their mechanical properties were evaluated, and effects of curing methods on the UHPG strength were investigated. The results indicated that usable UHPG can be achieved through engineered formulation using locally available concrete materials. The UHPG sample made in China and tested at Iowa State University (ISU) showed a compressive strength of 123 MPa (17,868 psi) and maximum compressive strain of 0.0047 micro-strain. The UHPG samples made with a slag-fly ash blend and a liquid (activator solution)-to-binder (slag and fly ash) of 0.27 had 28-day compressive strength of 102 MPa (14,800 psi). When reinforced with 2% (by volume) of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) fiber, the UHPG mixes developed at ISU exhibited strain and displacement hardening behavior in tension and flexure, indicating significant ductility. Replacement of slag for fly ash improved strengths and elastic modulus, but noticeably reduced the deflection at failure and ductility of UHPG. Steam curing at 50°C appeared to be the optimal condition for the UHPG strength development.

• Record URL:
  http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/mtc/index.cfm/research/project/project/172600531
• Record URL:
  http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/projects/detail/?projectID=172600531
• Record URL:
  http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/research/documents/research-reports/geopolymer-based_UHPC_material_properties_w_cvr.pdf
• Record URL:
  http://www.intrans.iastate.edu/publications/_documents/t2summaries/geopolymer-based_UHPC_material_properties_t2.pdf
• 

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Completed
• Funding: $45000
• Contract Numbers:

  DTRT13-G-UTC37

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Midwest Transportation Center

  Iowa State University
  2711 S Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8664

  Iowa Highway Research Board

  Iowa Department of Transportation
  800 Lincoln Way
  Ames, IA  United States  50010

  Iowa Department of Transportation

  800 Lincoln Way
  Ames, IA  United States  50010

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Midwest Transportation Center

  Iowa State University
  2711 S Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, IA  United States  50010-8664
• Performing Organizations:

  Iowa State University, Ames

  Bridge Engineering Center
  2711 South Loop Drive, Suite 4700
  Ames, Iowa  United States  50010-8664
• Principal Investigators:

  Lu, Ping

  Shen, Jay

• Start Date: 20170301
• Expected Completion Date: 20180228
• Actual Completion Date: 20180731

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge construction; Bridge engineering; Durability; Geopolymer concrete; Life cycle costing; Properties of materials; Ultra high performance concrete
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01632693
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Midwest Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: DTRT13-G-UTC37
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Apr 26 2017 1:13PM