Interfacial bonding between graphene oxide and calcium silicate hydrate gel of ultra-high performance concrete

2020 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyan Wan ◽  
Yu Zhang
Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1929 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-You Wu ◽  
Jing Zhang ◽  
Changjiang Liu ◽  
Zhoulian Zheng ◽  
Paul Lambert

Nanomaterials have been increasingly employed for improving the mechanical properties and durability of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with high volume supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Recently, graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets have appeared as one of the most promising nanomaterials for enhancing the properties of cementitious composites. To date, a majority of studies have concentrated on cement pastes and mortars with fewer investigations on normal concrete, ultra-high strength concrete, and ultra-high-performance cement-based composites with a high volume of cement content. The studies of UHPC with high volume SCMs have not yet been widely investigated. This paper presents an experimental investigation into the mini slump flow and physical properties of such a UHPC containing GO nanosheets at additions from 0.00 to 0.05% by weight of cement and a water–cement ratio of 0.16. The study demonstrates that the mini slump flow gradually decreases with increasing GO nanosheet content. The results also confirm that the optimal content of GO nanosheets under standard curing and under steam curing is 0.02% and 0.04%, respectively, and the corresponding compressive and flexural strengths are significantly improved, establishing a fundamental step toward developing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly UHPC for more sustainable infrastructure.


Author(s):  
Pham Thai Hoan ◽  
Ngo Tri Thuong

In this study, grid nanoindentation and statistical deconvolution analysis were applied into a developed Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) to broaden the understanding of the microstructure phases and their mechanical properties. A total of 550 nanoindentation tests was carried out on UHPC and the mechanical properties, including indentation modulus and hardness of the indented material were extracted from nanoindentation load-depth curves. The statistical deconvolution analysis was then utilized to analyze the modulus and hardness spectra. The experimental and analysis results revealed that the modulus and hardness data obtained from nanoindentation tests can be used in the accurate and reliable identification of the microstructure phases and their properties in UHPC. For the present UHPC, the microstructure can be characterized into 6 phases with distinguishable mechanical properties, including micro porosity, Low Density Calcium Silicate Hydrates (LD CSH), High Density Calcium Silicate Hydrates (HD CSH), silica powder and sand, and residual cement clinker. The obtained modulus and hardness values of these phases were in the range of various reported ones for cement-based materials and UHPC. Keywords: ultra-high performance concrete; microstructures; micromechanical properties; nanoindentation; statistical analysis.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyan Chu ◽  
Yu Zhang ◽  
Fengjuan Wang ◽  
Taotao Feng ◽  
Liguo Wang ◽  
...  

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) has been used as an advanced construction material in civil engineering because of its excellent mechanical properties and durability. However, with the depletion of the raw material (river sand) used for preparing UHPC, it is imperative to find a replacement material. Recycled sand is an alternative raw material for preparing UHPC, but it degrades the performance. In this study, we investigated the use of graphene oxide (GO) as an additive for enhancing the properties of UHPC prepared from recycled sand. The primary objective was to investigate the effects of GO on the mechanical properties and durability of the UHPC at different concentrations. Additionally, the impact of the GO additive on the microstructure of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand was analysed at different mixing concentrations. The addition of GO resulted in the following: (1) The porosity of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand was reduced by 4.45–11.35%; (2) the compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus of the UHPC prepared from recycled sand were enhanced by 8.24–16.83%, 11.26–26.62%, 15.63–29.54%, and 5.84–12.25%, respectively; (3) the resistance of the UHPC to penetration of chloride ions increased, and the freeze–thaw resistance improved; (4) the optimum mixing concentration of GO in the UHPC was determined to be 0.05 wt.%, according to a comprehensive analysis of its effects on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability of the UHPC. The findings of this study provide important guidance for the utilisation of recycled sand resources.


PCI Journal ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (6) ◽  
pp. 35-61
Author(s):  
Chungwook Sim ◽  
Maher Tadros ◽  
David Gee ◽  
Micheal Asaad

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a special concrete mixture with outstanding mechanical and durability characteristics. It is a mixture of portland cement, supplementary cementitious materials, sand, and high-strength, high-aspect-ratio microfibers. In this paper, the authors propose flexural design guidelines for precast, prestressed concrete members made with concrete mixtures developed by precasters to meet minimum specific characteristics qualifying it to be called PCI-UHPC. Minimum specified cylinder strength is 10 ksi (69 MPa) at prestress release and 18 ksi (124 MPa) at the time the member is placed in service, typically 28 days. Minimum flexural cracking and tensile strengths of 1.5 and 2 ksi (10 and 14 MPa), respectively, according to ASTM C1609 testing specifications are required. In addition, strain-hardening and ductility requirements are specified. Tensile properties are shown to be more important for structural optimization than cylinder strength. Both building and bridge products are considered because the paper is focused on capacity rather than demand. Both service limit state and strength limit state are covered. When the contribution of fibers to capacity should be included and when they may be ignored is shown. It is further shown that the traditional equivalent rectangular stress block in compression can still be used to produce satisfactory results in prestressed concrete members. A spreadsheet workbook is offered online as a design tool. It is valid for multilayers of concrete of different strengths, rows of reinforcing bars of different grades, and prestressing strands. It produces moment-curvature diagrams and flexural capacity at ultimate strain. A fully worked-out example of a 250 ft (76.2 m) span decked I-beam of optimized shape is given.


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