Innovative Fire-Spalling-Proof Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)
Grant Data
Project Title
Innovative Fire-Spalling-Proof Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)
Principal Investigator
Professor Ye, Hailong
(Project Coordinator (PC))
Duration
15
Start Date
2019-11-01
Completion Date
2021-01-31
Amount
412838
Conference Title
Innovative Fire-Spalling-Proof Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)
Keywords
Fire-Spalling-Proof, Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Discipline
Environmental
Panel
Engineering (E)
HKU Project Code
PiH/190/19
Grant Type
Postdoctoral Hub Programme for ITF projects
Funding Year
2019
Status
Completed
Objectives
This project aims at developing new technology of turning post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into an innovative and sustainable alternative to polypropylene (PP) fibers in designing fire-resistant ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). The UHPC is particularly prone to fire-induced spalling due to its dense and homogeneous microstructure, which jeopardizes the structural integrity and threatens human safety. The use of synthetic PP fibers in concrete has been a common practice to mitigate fire-induced spalling. Recycling PET waste as fibrous additives to replace synthetic PP fibers will offer a sustainable approach to design fire-resistant UHPC. This project includes the following parts: (1) Design and optimization of UHPC mixtures with recycled PET fibers of various geometrical parameters to achieve high strength and proper workability. (2) Evaluation and quantification of the fire-spalling resistance of UHPC with various types and dosages of recycled PET fibers. (3) Establish a regression model linking the macroscopic fire damage to the characteristics and spatial distribution of recycled PET fibers in UHPC based on multi-advanced materials characterization techniques. (4) Provide technical recommendation to engineers on designing fire-resistant UHPC with optimum type and dosage of recycled PET fibers.