Evaluating Durability Parameters of

Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC)

A Directed Research Project

by
Patel Nihal Jayeshkumar
UG190946

Submitted to the Office of Faculty of Technology, CEPT University

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of

BACHELOR OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Guide: Prof. Bhargav Tewar

Faculty of Technology
Kasturbhai Lalbhai Campus, University Road, Navrangpura,
Ahmedabad-380 009 India.
www.cept.ac.in

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 Commencement
Report

The report includes an introduction to the DRP thesis, stating its purpose, defining the scope
of work, examining literature review, and explaining the research methodology chosen for
the study.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ........................................................................................................iii

CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 4
1.1 Aim ............................................................................................................................ 5
1.2 Scope / Objectives ..................................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER-2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................................................... 6
CHAPTER-3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ............................................................... 9
CHAPTER-4: SCHEDULE ............................................................................................. 11
REFERENCES....................................................................................................................... 12

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 CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION

As cities expand and architectural ambitions reach new heights, the imperative for
construction materials that transcend the conventional and endure the test of time becomes
increasingly pronounced. The contemporary urban landscape demands not only structural
integrity but also a harmonious synthesis of innovation and longevity.
UHPC, with its unparalleled mechanical properties and unwavering durability, steps forward
as a compelling solution to meet these multifaceted demands. Its exceptional compressive and
flexural strengths, far surpassing those of conventional concrete, instill a newfound
confidence in its ability to bear colossal loads and withstand dynamic forces. This remarkable
strength equips UHPC to support towering skyscrapers, intricate bridges, and other
architectural marvels that define modern cityscapes.
Various environmental conditions, each with its distinct set of influences, have the potential
to shape UHPC's destiny. The same material that thrives under one set of circumstances may
encounter adversity under different conditions, underscoring the need for a comprehensive
understanding of its behaviour in diverse contexts.
In conclusion, Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) stands as a testament to the
boundless possibilities that lie at the intersection of innovation and construction. Its
exceptional mechanical properties and resilience elevate it to a position of prominence in the
pantheon of construction materials. Yet, its journey is far from over, as it engages in a dialogue
with the very environment in which it operates. This research, driven by curiosity and guided
by purpose, aspires to enrich our understanding of UHPC's performance in the face of diverse
environmental challenges, contributing to the ongoing evolution of modern construction
practices.

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1.1 Aim

To compare effect of different environmental conditions on compressive and flexural

strength of Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC)

1.2 Scope / Objectives

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the durability parameters of UHPC in different
environmental conditions by performing durability tests on compressive strength test and
flexural strength test specimens. Also, performing rapid chloride penetration test to evaluate
the chloride penetrability of UHPC.

Comparison of the long-term durability of UHPC in control environment with following

environmental conditions:
1. Acidic Environment (H2SO4 / HCl)
2. Alkaline Environment (Na2SO4 / NaCl)
3. Heat / Heat Variation Environment

The study focuses on effects of different environments on UHPC by performing laboratory

tests, such as Compressive Strength, Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), Flexural Strength,
Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) and Carbonation Test.
The control mix is referred from “Evaluating Compressive Strength Parameters of Ultra
High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Developed using MFGGBS,” a DRP thesis from
Spring 2023. <CITATION>

The durability of UHPC is not a small study, to touch upon the long-term durability the
study is planned to prepare of sample for durability tests and treated in different
environmental conditions for 3, 7, 14, 28, 60, 90, 180 and 365 days. But as limitation of
time in DRP thesis, only tests up to 60 days will be presented in final report submission and
rest will be continued on accordance of availability and feasibility of testing after
completion of this DRP thesis.

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 CHAPTER-2: LITERATURE REVIEW

CHAPTER-2: LITERATURE REVIEW, incorporates the readings and research to add

comprehensive understanding of existing research, methodologies, findings, and gaps related
to UHPC's durability in the study. It contributes to the research by emphasizing significant
challenges, notable advancements, and effective strategies. This helps in directing the path of
the research and ensures that the thesis adds significant value from an experienced perspective
to the body of already existing information.

This study focuses on evaluation of durability parameters of developed UHPC mix in previous
research. <CITATION> Henceforth, the literature review is focused on durability tests of
UHPC, wherever it is studied across the world, exploring their test methodology and
effectiveness, and in some of the tests existing standards for the concrete can be incorporated
as followed by the studies presented further.

2.1 Durability Tests of UHPC

The tests for durability of UHPC referred from different sources are presented here under
different titles of particular test.

2.1.1 Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT)

The chloride permeability of concrete was assessed using the rapid chloride permeability
test (RCPT) as per ASTM C1202-12. Disk samples (100 × 50 mm) were obtained from 100
× 200 mm concrete cylinders after 28 days of curing. After drying and surface treatment,
samples were placed in a vacuum environment, then immersed in solutions of sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium chloride (NaCl). Applying a 60 V potential led to current
flow through the samples. Total charge transferred (Q) was calculated based on current
measurements. Lower charge transfer (Coulombs) in Ultra High Performance Concrete
(UHPC) (48 Coulombs) compared to Normal Strength Concrete (NSC) (5,148 Coulombs)
and High-Performance Concrete (HPC) (120 Coulombs) indicated UHPC's resistance to
chloride ions due to its dense microstructure, Figure 2-1. This low charge transfer highlights

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UHPC's limited interconnected pores, which supports its enhanced durability against
chloride ingress. <CITATION>

<citation>

Figure 2-1: RCPT charge transfer in NSC, HPC and UHPC

The RCPT, following ASTM C1202, was performed on UHPC samples. Besides the
standard 3% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, harsher exposures were simulated using 3.5%
and 10% NaCl solutions. The test lasted 6 hours, with coulomb values recorded every 30
minutes. Interestingly, UHPC exhibited similar RCPT results at both 28 and 56 days,
showing minimal impact from chloride concentrations. Fiber length had little effect, but
steel fiber content notably influenced coulomb values. Incorporating 3% and 6% 8mm steel
fibers lowered coulombs by 27 and 35, attributed to fiber hindrance of crack formation and
porosity reduction. Microstructural analysis affirmed that fibers decreased porosity,
enhancing durability. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated dense fiber-matrix
interfaces, correlating with reduced penetrability due to lowered porosity. <CITATION>

To investigate the effects of age-related thermal treatments on mechanical and durability

properties of UHPC, four curing methods were studied:
1. Air curing,
2. 48-hour thermal steam treatment (TT),
3. Delayed thermal steam treatment after 10 days (DTT), and
4. Double-delayed thermal steam treatment after 24 days (DDTT).
Air-cured samples for 3-day testing were prepared according to ASTM C39. TT specimens
underwent 48-hour steam treatment at 194°F (90°C) and 100% RH. DTT and DDTT
samples were thermally treated at Days 10 and 24. All specimens were allowed to return to
ambient temperature before testing, ensuring accurate results.

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All specimens exhibited minimal chloride penetration (<100C passed), Figure 2-2, with
thermally treated specimens showing lower charge passage than air-cured ones. Statistical
analyses confirmed significant differences, aligning with previous studies.

<citation>

Figure 2-2: Summary data on RCPT

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 CHAPTER-3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. Literature review
2. Test method and environmental condition selection
3. Quantity estimation for required raw materials
4. Casting of samples for required specimen size for particular test
5. Testing on certain day age as mentioned in Table 3-1
6. Analysing and interpretation of results.
7. Preparing final report for DRP thesis

The tests for selected durability parameters will be performed with combination of
environmental conditions as mentioned in Table 3-1. Also, the days of testing is mentioned
for the different tests. The study for durability of UHPC concrete requires certain time
period to acquire results, due to limitations of time in DRP thesis, it is clearly mentioned, the
samples for the testing up to 365 days will be prepared but the final report will contain only
results up to 60 days.

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 Table 3-1: Combinations of tests and environmental conditions

Sample Preparation Sample

Sr. No. Test Environmental Condition & Testing Preparation
(days) (days)
Controlled Environment
Compressive Acidic environment (H2SO4 / HCl)
1 3, 7, 14, 28, 60 90, 180, 365
Strength Alkaline environment (Na2SO4 / NaCl)
Heat / Heat variation
Controlled Environment
Ultra Pulse
Acidic environment (H2SO4 / HCl)
2 Velocity 28 90, 180, 365
Alkaline environment (Na2SO4 / NaCl)
(UPV)
Heat / Heat variation
Controlled Environment
Flexural Acidic environment (H2SO4 / HCl)
3 28 180, 365
Strength1 Alkaline environment (Na2SO4 / NaCl)
Heat / Heat variation
Controlled Environment
Rapid Chloride
Acidic environment (H2SO4 / HCl)
4 Penetration Test 28 90, 180, 365
Alkaline environment (Na2SO4 / NaCl)
(RCPT)
Heat / Heat variation
Controlled Environment
Acidic environment (H2SO4 / HCl)
5 Carbonation 28 180, 365
Alkaline environment (Na2SO4 / NaCl)
Heat / Heat variation

1
No. of samples for 180 and 365 days flexure strength can vary, depending upon availability of moulds in laboratory.
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 CHAPTER-4: SCHEDULE

Table 4-1: Weekly schedule for DRP

Sr. No. Week

Literature review for identification of durability test in
1 1-3
different environment for UHPC.
Collection of ingredients and their property identification and
2 4
sample preparation.
Trials with environment and creating the environment in lab.
3 5–6
Final casting and sampling in different environment.
Testing of specimens at various age.
4 7 – 14
Analysis of test results.
Interpretation of analysis and conclusion.
5 13 - 16
Final report preparation.

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REFERENCES

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