Use of Nanomaterials to Enhance HPC and UHPC for Ready-Mix and Precast/Prestressed Infrastructure Applications

The aim of this project is to develop and scale up engineered high performance concrete (HPC) and ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) with enhanced mechanical properties and adaptive rheology for ready-mix and precast/prestressed concrete infrastructure. The joint research framework between the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and Missouri University of Science and Technology (S&T) focuses on enhancing the bulk properties of engineered concrete by fine-tuning nano- and micro- scale properties of the cementitious matrix using multi-dimensional carbon- and cellulose-based nanomaterials UTA’s research team will lead the development of strain-resilient HPC and UHPC with enhanced structural build-up, increased modulus and first-crack strength, and improved strain-hardening response. This will be achieved by redefining the structure–property relationships of the cementitious matrix using cement-compatible, liquid-based graphitic enhancers formulated with highly dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), and exfoliated few-layer Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs). Complementary research at S&T will advance HPC and UHPC properties through cellulose nanofibril and nanocrystal systems aimed at improving mixture rheology, viscoelastic behavior, and early-age mechanical performance. Together, the project will establish property benchmarks for engineered HPC and UHPC that exceed performance targets by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), and the American Concrete Institute (ACI), creating a scalable pathway for high-performance concrete in ready-mix and precast/prestressed applications.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $140,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348339

• Sponsor Organizations:

  University of Texas at Arlington

  Box 19308
  Arlington, TX  United States  76019-0308

  Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla

  Department of Engineering
  202 University Center
  Rolla, MO    65409
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Texas at Arlington

  Box 19308
  Arlington, TX  United States  76019-0308

  Missouri University of Science & Technology, Rolla

  Department of Engineering
  202 University Center
  Rolla, MO    65409
• Performing Organizations:

  University of Texas at Arlington

  Box 19308
  Arlington, TX  United States  76019-0308

  Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla

  1870 Miner Circle
  Rolla, MO  United States  65409
• Principal Investigators:

  Konsta-Gdoutos, Maria

  Khayat, Kamal

  Karbhari, Vistasp

• Start Date: 20250901
• Expected Completion Date: 20270531
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: High performance concrete; Nanostructured materials; Precast concrete; Prestressed concrete; Ultra high performance concrete
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01999122
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Center for Durable and Resilient Transportation Infrastructure
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348339
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Aug 13 2026 3:32PM