Department of structural engineering, Faculty of civil engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
10.22034/ceej.2025.66789.2428
Abstract
Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a new type of cement-based composite with very high mechanical properties and improved durability, typically made with optimized aggregate gradation, a very low water-to-cement ratio, a high percentage of cementitious materials, and the incorporation of steel microfibers. However, UHPC exhibits significant autogenous shrinkage due to the use of high amounts of cement and a very low water-to-cement ratio. Internal curing is a successful and useful method for reducing autogenous shrinkage in UHPC. Therefore, in this experimental study, pre-soaked scoria sand was used in various amounts (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent) to replace natural river sand for internal curing of UHPC. To this end, after preparing the specimens, tests were conducted to determine autogenous shrinkage, compressive and flexural strength, capillary water absorption (rate of water absorption), pulse velocity, and water absorption percentage of the UHPC. Considering the results obtained, it is observed that with the increase in the content of pre-soaked scoria sand in UHPC mixtures, autogenous shrinkage and strength properties decrease, and transport properties such as water absorption percentage and capillary water absorption increase. The optimal amount of scoria sand to be used as an internal curing agent in UHPC can be achieved by reducing autogenous shrinkage while maintaining the strength and transfer properties. Accordingly, replacing 25% of natural river sand with pre-saturated scoria sand is the optimum ratio for reducing autogenous shrinkage while maintaining the mechanical and transport properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC).
Aghapour, M. and Kasaei, J. (2025). Internal Curing of UHPC Using Scoria Sand: Autogenous Shrinkage, Strength and Transport Properties. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, (), -. doi: 10.22034/ceej.2025.66789.2428
MLA
Aghapour, M. , and Kasaei, J. . "Internal Curing of UHPC Using Scoria Sand: Autogenous Shrinkage, Strength and Transport Properties", Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, , , 2025, -. doi: 10.22034/ceej.2025.66789.2428
HARVARD
Aghapour, M., Kasaei, J. (2025). 'Internal Curing of UHPC Using Scoria Sand: Autogenous Shrinkage, Strength and Transport Properties', Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, (), pp. -. doi: 10.22034/ceej.2025.66789.2428
CHICAGO
M. Aghapour and J. Kasaei, "Internal Curing of UHPC Using Scoria Sand: Autogenous Shrinkage, Strength and Transport Properties," Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, (2025): -, doi: 10.22034/ceej.2025.66789.2428
VANCOUVER
Aghapour, M., Kasaei, J. Internal Curing of UHPC Using Scoria Sand: Autogenous Shrinkage, Strength and Transport Properties. Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2025; (): -. doi: 10.22034/ceej.2025.66789.2428
)