Experimental investigation on ultra high strength concrete containing mineral admixtures under different curing conditions

Recent researches on Ultra High Strength Concrete (UHSC) revealed that it has high compressive strength and high tensile strength. It also has large ductility to develop even after cracking in cooperation with fibers. The possibility of achieving high strength, durability, and improved ductility with the use of UHSC encourages researchers and engineers to use this modern material in many construction applications. In this paper, several possibilities are examined for reducing the cement dosage of UHSC because the high amount of cement content not only affects the production costs, but also has negative effects on the environment. In this study, mechanical properties (compressive strength and split tensile strength) of UHSC produced with Class-F Fly Ash (FA) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA) were investigated under different curing conditions (normal and hot air oven curing). Test results showed that UHSC containing mineral admixtures have satisfactory mechanical performance. Between the replacement of FA and RHA, RHA at 20% replacement of cement gave higher compressive and split tensile strength than the other. The results indicate that RHA and FA can be suitable for use as a supplementary cementitious material to produce UHSC. The total cement replacement percentage by this blend can go up to 20%.