Impact of mixing and curing temperatures on UHPFRC properties

What is it about?

First structural applications in ultra-high performances fiber reinforced concretes (UHPFRC) were mainly precast solutions, such as bridge components and architectural panels. In that context, most studies concerning the impact of temperature on UHPFRC properties concerned high curing temperatures feasible in precast industry where a high control of the production process can be obtained. More recent applications of UHPFRC concerned also cast-in-place solutions involving field-cast joints and thin repairs. Limited data is available on the impact of low to moderate mixing and curing temperatures found on construction sites. This paper describes a research project focused on the evaluation of fresh state and hardened properties of UHPFRC in realistic cast-in-place conditions. UHPFRC were produced between 10 to 30 °C and cured between 10 to 35 °C, measurements of slump flow, air content, density, compressive and bending strengths are presented and discussed.

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Photo by Robert Keane on Unsplash

Photo by Robert Keane on Unsplash

Why is it important?

First structural applications in ultra-high performances fiber reinforced concretes (UHPFRC) were mainly precast solutions, such as bridge components and architectural panels. In that context, most studies concerning the impact of temperature on UHPFRC properties concerned high curing temperatures feasible in precast industry where a high control of the production process can be obtained. More recent applications of UHPFRC concerned also cast-in-place solutions involving field-cast joints and thin repairs. Limited data is available on the impact of low to moderate mixing and curing temperatures found on construction sites. This paper describes a research project focused on the evaluation of fresh state and hardened properties of UHPFRC in realistic cast-in-place conditions. UHPFRC were produced between 10 to 30 °C and cured between 10 to 35 °C, measurements of slump flow, air content, density, compressive and bending strengths are presented and discussed.