Combined Influence of Expansive and Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures on the Shrinkage Behavior of Ultra-High Performance Concrete

Abstract

Since ultra-high performance cementitious composite (UHPCC) exhibits remarkable compressive strength and ductility, its application for structural member provides significant reduction of the section. The use of low water-to-binder ratio and admixtures with high fineness induce large shrinkage strain, leading to the possibility of large occurrence of shrinkage cracks due to the restraints of the form and reinforcing bars. Therefore, this study admixes a combination of expansive and shrinkage reducing agents as a solution to reduce the shrinkage of UHPCC. The eventual appropriateness is computed to evaluate the free shrinkage and restrained shrinkage behaviors. From the test results, the admixing of a combination of expansive and shrinkage reducing agents is seen to achieve a reduction of the free shrinkage by 30% to 50% at 28 days and a reduction of the strain of the external steel by about 19%.