Design and Performance of Stay-in-Place UHPC Prefabricated Panels for Infrastructure Construction

摘要

This project aims at designing a stay-in-place formwork system for cast-in-place bridge applications using ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) that can be used in the permanent formwork construction. Such panels can be used as permanent formwork system that can exhibit extended service life given the high impermeability and resistance of the cover-crete to cracking, increase the cost-effectiveness, and decrease of deleterious materials in concrete, including chloride ions. The stay-in-place formwork can be used for new construction as well as in the rehabilitation of concrete infrastructure, including bridges. It is anticipated that this design concept will lead to substantial savings and reduced energy costs associated with the production, handling, and whole life performance of the cast concrete elements. The key characteristics and benefits of the proposed product are: (1) the units will be more durable and much lighter than current products (less than 25 kg per unit), light enough that one person can carry a single unit. (2) faster construction due to simplicity of use. (3) reduction in the volume of transport. (4) the units will be lego-like, in that they can easily be linked together in modular forms. (5) smooth surface finish that reduces the need for further surface work (that is, additional finishing). (6) environmentally advantageous structures; reduced carbon emissions compared to conventional on-site casting methods. (7) versatility regarding application, usage is not restricted to bridge columns but other elements, such as conventional wall structures. The pre-fabricated panels were made of UHPC reinforced with fibers, such as micro steel fibers or micro polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers, and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) grids or carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) grids which can provide bi-directional reinforcement.