Test and Analysis of Prestressed Ultra High Performance Concrete Beams

Research output: Contribution to book/anthology/report/proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

Abstract

Ultra-high-performance steel fibre reinforced concrete (UHPSFRC) combines the benefits of ultra-high-performance concrete with the added reinforcement of steel fibres. The durability of UHPSFRC can contribute to sustainable construction practices. Its strength can lead to longer-lasting structures, reducing the need for frequent repairs or replacements. Using UHPSFRC poses the possibility of a decrease in Global Warming Potential (GWP) compared to normal-strength concrete per available m2 in residential and office buildings. Implementation of prestressing could reduce GWP even further. Deformations are often a problem when designing structures. From this came the idea of combining the two. In the present study 9 beams with the same reinforcement arrangement have been tested. Three were not prestressed, three were pre-tensioned, and the last three were post-tensioned. Cylinders and small beams were tested for reference parameters, strength, and fracture energy. The results of the tests are presented as load-displacement curves at several points along the beam axis and at the mid-point. A semi-analytical model governed by beam theory and the principle of virtual work is proposed. A software package developed in MATLAB allows for a wide range of possible beam cross-sections and non-linear material models. It is a proposal for a faster evaluation of the deflection behaviour of a concrete beam compared to i.e. FEM. The general idea of the methods is that a numerical iterative method can be utilised to investigate the member’s method, calibrate the parameters, and predict the response. The model assumes that individual beam cross-sections remain planar, equilibrium between internal and external forces and non-linear constitutive models for the materials, including a Fictitious Crack Model for UHPSFRC. The agreement between tests and the model is very good. The GWP is compared between a beam of normal-strength concrete (C40) and a pre-stressed UHPSFRC with the same performance parameters and shows a reduction in GWP of 20.7%.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRILEM Bookseries
Number of pages10
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media B.V.
Publication date2025
Pages184-193
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025
SeriesRILEM Bookseries
Volume56
ISSN2211-0844

Keywords

  • deflection
  • GWP
  • iterative
  • pre-stressing
  • UHPSFRC

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