Ultra-High Strength Concrete Mixtures Using Local Materials

Abstract

This paper presents the development of ultra high strength concrete (UHSC) using local materials. UHSC mixture proportions were developed using local materials so that UHSC may be made more affordable to a wider variety of applications. Specifically, local sand with a top size of 0.0236 in. (600 μm), and locally available Type I/II cement and silica fume were used in this research. Each of these material selections is seen as an improvement in sustainability for UHSC. Two mixtures (one with and one without fibers) were recommended as the UHSC mixtures. The greatest compressive strengths obtained in this study were 24,010 psi (165.6 MPa) for UHSC with steel fibers and 23,480 psi (161.9 MPa) for UHSC without fibers. The compressive and flexural strengths obtained from the UHSC mixtures developed in this work are comparable to UHSC strengths presented in the literature. Producing this innovative material with local materials reduces the cost of the material, improves sustainability, and produces mechanical performance similar to prepackaged, commercially available products.