Abstract: This article evaluated mechanical behavior of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with hybrid steel and polypropylene fibers, with cement consumption of 250 kg/m³ and application of confining pressure in fresh state. The consistency of the mixture was analyzed, as well as mechanical properties of compressive strength, flexural strength and toughness. The percentages of hybridization were 50 to 100% of metal fibers and 0 to 50% of polypropylene fibers. Results showed that the compressive strength of the composite was 180 MPa (26100 psi), despite its low cement consumption of 250 kg/m³ (2.08 lb/gal), with 80% steel fibers and 20% polypropylene fibers. The combination of fibers increased the mixture’s toughness. For the composition with 80% steel fibers and 20% polypropylene fibers, the strength for large deformations increased by 191% compared with the mixture with 100% steel fibers, pointing out the benefits of hybridization.

Resumen: En este trabajo se evaluó el comportamiento mecánico de los hormigones de ultra-altas prestaciones (UHPC) reforzados con fibras híbridas de acero y polipropileno, con un consumo de cemento de 250 kg/m3 y aplicando una presión de confinamiento en su estado fresco. Se analizó la consistencia de la mezcla, las propiedades mecánicas de las resistencias a la compresión y flexión, así como la tenacidad. Se usaron porcentajes de hibridación del 50 al 100% de fibras metálicas y de 0 al 50% de fibras de polipropileno. Los resultados muestran que la resistencia a la compresión del compuesto fue de 180 MPa (26.100 psi), a pesar de su bajo consumo de cemento, de 250 kg/m³ (2,08 lb/gal), con 80% de fibras de acero y 20% de fibras de polipropileno. La combinación de fibras incrementó la tenacidad de la mezcla. Para esta misma composición, la resistencia para las grandes deformaciones aumentó en un 191% en comparación con la mezcla que contenía un 100% de fibras de acero, demostrando así los beneficios de la hibridación.

Resumo O emprego de agregado reciclado de concreto (ARC) para a produção de novos concretos é uma alternativa interessante para mitigar impactos ambientais. O ARC pode aumentar a porosidade e impactar negativamente as propriedades do concreto. A cinza de casca de arroz (CCA), empregada como material cimentício suplementar, pode mitigar estes efeitos. Este estudo investiga a retração em concretos produzidos com ARC e CCA, propondo um modelo matemático para explicar os comportamentos observados. Foram elaborados concretos com 25 e 50% de ARC graúdo, e 10 e 20% de CCA em substituição ao cimento, com uma única relação água-aglomerante (0,64). A absorção e água capilar e total, bem como a porosidade, foram avaliadas aos 28 dias. A retração foi medida em 1, 4, 7, 14, 28, 63, 91 e 112 dias. Os resultados indicam um efeito significativo da interação entre ARC e CCA.

Abstract The admixture of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in new concretes is an interesting alternative in the efforts to mitigate environmental impacts. RCA may increase porosity and change properties of concretes. Rice husk ash (RHA) is employed as supplementary cementitious material may improve concrete properties. The present study investigated the shrinkage of concrete prepared with RCA and RHA, proposing a mathematical model to explain the phenomenon. Concretes were produced with 25% and 50% of coarse recycled aggregate as replacement of natural aggregate, 0%, 10%, and 20% of RHA as replacement of cement, and a water-to-binder ratio of 0.64. Water absorption and capillary and total porosities were analyzed on day 28. Shrinkage tests were conducted on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 28, 63, 91, and 112. The results point to a significant interaction between RHA and RCA.