Project 2.13: Performance Structural Concrete Optimized for Cost, Durability, and Manufacturability

Project Summary:

The primary goal is to develop concrete mix designs that meet modern high-performance durability requirements while being practical to manufacture with New England-sourced materials and suppliers. These new Performance Concrete or High Performance Concrete (HPC) mix designs use graded aggregates, silica fumes, slags, fly ash, fibers, and other admixtures to increase strength and durability. This study spans three years and combines laboratory and production facility tests. The university investigators will work in close cooperation with partners in the concrete industry and state transportation agencies. The overall deliverable is a prescription for a concrete mix that suppliers can use with New England sourced materials for performance concrete. The objectives are to: 1. Develop cost optimized mixes in the laboratory using New England sourced materials, 2. Interact with concrete suppliers, 3. Participate in pilot tests at concrete supplier(s), 4. Evaluate performance on large scaled structural elements, and 5. Reporting and technology transfer. A key feature is the complexity of the mixes and the sensitivity to variations in proportions and composition. This project will use machine learning methods to sort through the complexity to predict the performance of new mix compositions, along with conventional statistical analysis and curve-fitting techniques.

Sponsors:
University Transportation Centers Program
University of Vermont
Vermont Agency of Transportation

Implementation of Research Outcomes:
This project is in its initial research phase. Implementation of Research outcomes will be reported upon completion of initial research.

Impacts and Benefits of Implementation:
This project is in its initial research phase. Impacts and benefits of the research will be reported after the implementation phase.

Related Links:
Coming Soon

Downloadable Documents