UHPC as maintenance and repair material for enhanced durability
The project aims to develop technology enabling application of ultra-high performance concrete in maintenance and repair works for reinforced concrete structures. Such solution will be durable, cost effective and environmentally sustainable. It will contribute in a long term to the extension of the service life of transportation infrastructures and prevent frequent and expensive maintenance works. In addition, the new system will enable fast repairs thus minimizing traffic constrains and costs.
The main purpose of the project is to develop a technology based on the application of ultrahigh performance concrete (UHPC) to repair and strengthen existing deteriorated concrete structures exposed to harsh environmental conditions. Such solution will be durable, cost effective and environmentally sustainable such that over a long-term perspective can contribute to the extension of the service life of transportation infrastructures and prevent frequent and expensive maintenance works. In addition, the new developed system will enable fast repairs thus minimizing traffic constrains and associated costs. The UHPC will be easily produced by any concrete plant and cast as self-compacting material and will not require any additional steps such as vibration, heat treatment or surface finish, enable contractors to make repairs of severely deteriorated concrete elements using very simple and old proven concrete production technology.
State-of-the-art maintenance and repair solutions bring a series of problems associated with compatibility issues between conventional concrete and the repair material leading to poor durability of the repair. Also environmental and health issues can occur due to use of hydrophobic coatings. UHPC, is a promising alternative to conventional repair materials. It has better durability properties and load-bearing capacity and can applied without major training of the workman force. The developed technology can be applied for strengthening of reinforced concrete structures and in this way answer to future demands, e.g. increased traffic circulation. Due to the long-term durability of the UHPC, the solutions developed with contribute to the sustainability of reinforced concrete components and structures by minimizing the frequency of maintenance interventions.
Summary
Project name
UHPC as maintenance and repair material
Status
Completed
RISE role in project
Coordninator
Project start
Duration
3,5 years
Partner
Luleå Tekniska högskola