Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature

This study comprehensively examines the combined effects of alkali content and silicate modulus on the mechanical properties, moisture transport behavior, and microstructural evolution of alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete (A-UHPC) under both ambient and elevated temperatures. Unlike p...

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Main Authors: Yunfeng Qian, Dingyi Yang, Yunxiao Yan, Guosheng Ren, Miao Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-07-01
Series:Case Studies in Construction Materials
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525004048
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author Yunfeng Qian
Dingyi Yang
Yunxiao Yan
Guosheng Ren
Miao Liu
author_facet Yunfeng Qian
Dingyi Yang
Yunxiao Yan
Guosheng Ren
Miao Liu
author_sort Yunfeng Qian
collection DOAJ
description This study comprehensively examines the combined effects of alkali content and silicate modulus on the mechanical properties, moisture transport behavior, and microstructural evolution of alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete (A-UHPC) under both ambient and elevated temperatures. Unlike previous studies that focused separately on ambient or high-temperature performance, this research offers a holistic evaluation of the manner in which these parameters influence A-UHPC across varying thermal conditions. Experimental evaluations, including mechanical strength tests, moisture transport analysis, and microstructural characterization (SEM, TGA, XRD, FTIR), demonstrate that the optimal synergy of 6 % alkali content and a 1.6 M silicate modulus results in superior compressive strength (132.60 MPa), reduced porosity, and enhanced durability. At elevated temperatures, this formulation retains structural integrity up to 400℃ but experiences substantial deterioration at 800℃ due to phase transformations and microstructural degradation. These findings contribute critical insights for optimizing A-UHPC to achieve enhanced mechanical performance and fire resistance, laying a foundation for its broader application in extreme environments.
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institution OA Journals
issn 2214-5095
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publishDate 2025-07-01
publisher Elsevier
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series Case Studies in Construction Materials
spelling doaj-art-507bb61eca28495dba093c3e7cc5d66b2025-08-20T02:08:11ZengElsevierCase Studies in Construction Materials2214-50952025-07-0122e0460610.1016/j.cscm.2025.e04606Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperatureYunfeng Qian0Dingyi Yang1Yunxiao Yan2Guosheng Ren3Miao Liu4College of Civil Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, ChinaCollege of Civil Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China; Research Institute of Green Building Materials, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China; Corresponding author at: College of Civil Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China.College of Civil Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, China; School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Yunnan University, Kunming 650504, ChinaCollege of Civil Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, ChinaCollege of Civil Science and Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225127, ChinaThis study comprehensively examines the combined effects of alkali content and silicate modulus on the mechanical properties, moisture transport behavior, and microstructural evolution of alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete (A-UHPC) under both ambient and elevated temperatures. Unlike previous studies that focused separately on ambient or high-temperature performance, this research offers a holistic evaluation of the manner in which these parameters influence A-UHPC across varying thermal conditions. Experimental evaluations, including mechanical strength tests, moisture transport analysis, and microstructural characterization (SEM, TGA, XRD, FTIR), demonstrate that the optimal synergy of 6 % alkali content and a 1.6 M silicate modulus results in superior compressive strength (132.60 MPa), reduced porosity, and enhanced durability. At elevated temperatures, this formulation retains structural integrity up to 400℃ but experiences substantial deterioration at 800℃ due to phase transformations and microstructural degradation. These findings contribute critical insights for optimizing A-UHPC to achieve enhanced mechanical performance and fire resistance, laying a foundation for its broader application in extreme environments.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525004048Alkali-activated ultra-high performance concreteAlkali contentSilicate modulusMechanical propertiesElevated temperature
spellingShingle Yunfeng Qian
Dingyi Yang
Yunxiao Yan
Guosheng Ren
Miao Liu
Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete
Alkali content
Silicate modulus
Mechanical properties
Elevated temperature
title Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
title_full Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
title_fullStr Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
title_full_unstemmed Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
title_short Synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
title_sort synergistic effects of alkali content and silicate modulus optimization for enhanced properties in alkali activated ultra high performance concrete at ambient and high temperature
topic Alkali-activated ultra-high performance concrete
Alkali content
Silicate modulus
Mechanical properties
Elevated temperature
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214509525004048
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