Fire performance of ultra high-performance concrete

Project description

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a cutting-edge material known for its exceptional mechanical strength and durability. However, its behavior under elevated temperatures remains poorly understood due to limited and unreliable data. Traditional studies frequently use conventional testing methods where thermal loading experienced by test specimens is difficult to be consistently and reliably controlled, casting doubt on the reliability of their findings.
Through (i) providing reliable combined thermal and mechanical loading system and (ii) enabling reliable, non-contact full-field deformation capturing of specimen surfaces at elevated temperatures, the study aims to generate a comprehensive set of reliable data that allows to thoroughly evaluate the fire performance of UHPC. The results will facilitate the development of optimized UHPC mixes tailored for fire resilience and enable an improved understanding of UHPC behavior under various fire scenarios. Ultimately, the findings will contribute to rational design models and evidence-based recommendations, enhancing the safety and performance of UHPC structures in real fire conditions.

Outcomes

The key deliverables from the project include:
– Thorough state-of-the-art review of fundamental performance characteristics of UHPC at elevated temperature.
– Improved knowledge of the fire performance of UHPC.
– Recommendations for optimized UHPC mixes tailored for fire resilience.
– Recommendations for fire design of UHPC structures.

Essential capabilities

Good background in concrete technology and structures

Desireable capabilities

Knowledge of general materials / concrete testing techniques, finite element methods

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Master’s degree in civil engineering; Bachelor’s degree with First-Class Honour in Civil Engineering