TxDOT Research Library - TxDOT Research Project

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Developing Performance Specification for High Performance Concrete

What Was the Need?

In the past, achieving high strength was considered by TxDOT as the main design criteria to formulate high performance concrete. TxDOT considers mix design options 1-4 in item 421 as high performance concrete (HPC) and these options were developed for ASR mitigation and not for other durability aspects. Very little work has been done to determine if these options are adequate to provide long-term durability often needed when HPC is specified.

What's the Solution?

The main objective of this study is to develop performance specification for high performance concrete in order to ensure high performance in terms of durability. The research team will conduct a combination of both field investigation and laboratory study in order to achieve this objective. The research team will use both conventional and innovative new lab testing methods to determine the key performance characteristics (i.e., prescribing acceptable limits of permeability, shrinkage, surface resistivity, and chloride ingress - basis for developing performance specification) followed by developing specific prescriptive requirements in order to formulate wide varieties of prescriptive mixes that can meet the durability requirements matching with different exposure conditions. A combined approach of relating mix design parameters, lab based durability test results, mechanical properties, structural dimensions, climatic conditions, and / exposure conditions through suitable service life prediction model and predicting will be used to ensure long term durability (at least 75 years) for the HPCs in typical aggressive environments. This will lead to develop performance- and prescriptive-based concrete specifications for HPC. This could potentially encourage contractors to effectively use these fine-tuned prescriptive HPC mixtures without the need of conducing additional long duration testing and ensure making long lasting durable concrete and save tax payers dollars.

Project Number

0-6958

Status

Active

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Project Details

Start Date

9/1/2017

Renewal date

9/1/2020

End Date

4/30/2024

Performing Institution(s)

Texas A & M Transportation Institute (TTI)

Research Team

RS: Anol Mukhopadhyay

Sponsor

Project Manager

Tom Schwerdt

Contract Specialist

Tiki Smith

TxDOT Advisor

Andy Naranjo, MTD
Jason Tucker, MTD
Rachel Cano, MTD
Christopher Miller, BRG
Lianxiang Du, BRG
Kevin Moyer, AUS

Amount Funded

$1,142,586

Source

TxDOT RTI

Publications from this Project

Publications Note

For recently completed projects without reports listed, please contact the Research Supervisor (RS) listed in Project Details if information is needed about the status of research findings.

More TxDOT Projects Like This

Functional Area

Structures and Hydraulics

Index Terms

High performance concrete
Multiple criteria decision making
Physical properties
Mechanical properties
Laboratory studies
Field studies
Performance based specifications

Lead University

TTI

Researcher

Mukhopadhyay, Anol K.

TxDOT District

MTD
BRG
AUS

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Record Added:

10/19/2017

Record Updated:

2/8/2024 5:31 AM EST

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