Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop non-proprietary, cost-effective ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) mix designs able to obtain comparable mechanical properties to commercially available products while limiting the cement content. First, UHPC mixes were developed using materials easily obtained in the state of Oklahoma. Then, the three top performing mixes were further studied by evaluating compressive strength with and without heat curing, modulus of rupture, and modulus of elasticity. A non-ASTM heat curing procedure was used to mimic potential heat curing temperatures possible in the field to assess the behavior of the in-place material. Results showed that 36 hours of heat curing was optimal for compressive strength, an unusual modulus of rupture crack pattern was observed suggesting additional energy absorption capabilities, and the modulus of elasticity was consistent with previous research. In conclusion, non-proprietary UHPC mix designs containing high replacement levels of slag cement can obtain comparable performance to proprietary mixes.