19-09-2016, 11:11 AM
Research over the past decades has yielded a new
classification of highly resilient concrete called
Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), now labeled and
classified as Ultra High Performance Concrete
(UHPC). RPC is one of the latest advances in
concrete technology and it addresses the
shortcomings of many concretes today [16]. RPC
possess ultra high static and dynamic strength,
high fracture capacity, low shrinkage and excellent
durability under severe condition. The
microstructure of RPC is optimized by precise
gradation of all particles in the mix to yield
maximum compactness [21]. RPC has been shown
to exhibit significantly improved tensile strength,
both before and after cracking. This tensile strength
of RPC is achieved as a result of the interaction of
the randomly oriented steel fibers acting as
reinforcement on a micro level which prevents
cracks from forming. After cracking has occurred,
the steel fibers are capable of sustaining additional
tensile loads until the fibers are pulled from the
matrix and the section severs [15]. The basic
principles for the development of RPC were
explained by many researchers [13, 18]. These
principles can be listed as below:
There is no coarse aggregate and maximum
aggregate size may be between 0.3 to 0.6 mm.
Powder is carefully optimized to achieve very
high compactness.
Using high cement content, low water to
cement ratio (less than 0.2).
Silica fume or another suitable pozzolanic
material can be added to the mix.
Superplasticizer is in need to get high flowable
concrete.
Steel fibers are to be added to increase the
concrete ductility.
Pressing during hardening may be helpful to
get rid of excess water and to increase the paste
density.
Heat treatment during curing can improve the
chemical process and strength gain.
classification of highly resilient concrete called
Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC), now labeled and
classified as Ultra High Performance Concrete
(UHPC). RPC is one of the latest advances in
concrete technology and it addresses the
shortcomings of many concretes today [16]. RPC
possess ultra high static and dynamic strength,
high fracture capacity, low shrinkage and excellent
durability under severe condition. The
microstructure of RPC is optimized by precise
gradation of all particles in the mix to yield
maximum compactness [21]. RPC has been shown
to exhibit significantly improved tensile strength,
both before and after cracking. This tensile strength
of RPC is achieved as a result of the interaction of
the randomly oriented steel fibers acting as
reinforcement on a micro level which prevents
cracks from forming. After cracking has occurred,
the steel fibers are capable of sustaining additional
tensile loads until the fibers are pulled from the
matrix and the section severs [15]. The basic
principles for the development of RPC were
explained by many researchers [13, 18]. These
principles can be listed as below:
There is no coarse aggregate and maximum
aggregate size may be between 0.3 to 0.6 mm.
Powder is carefully optimized to achieve very
high compactness.
Using high cement content, low water to
cement ratio (less than 0.2).
Silica fume or another suitable pozzolanic
material can be added to the mix.
Superplasticizer is in need to get high flowable
concrete.
Steel fibers are to be added to increase the
concrete ductility.
Pressing during hardening may be helpful to
get rid of excess water and to increase the paste
density.
Heat treatment during curing can improve the
chemical process and strength gain.
