The Time-Dependent Effect in Ultra High-Performance Concrete According to the Curing Methods

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is required to develop multifunctional concrete structures such as long-span bridges. During the construction of long-span bridges, girders exhibit significant differences in age because they use different curing days in the precast process. In this study, the performances of UHPC were compared when subjected to long-term storage under various conditions after 3-day steam curing. At 365 days, the compressive strength of steam curing is 197 MPa, moist is 191 MPa, and the air is 169 MPa. Based on these differences, prediction models were proposed for long-term performances. Furthermore, the development characteristics of compressive strength, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and flexural strength until 365 days of age were analyzed under air, moist, and steam conditions. Steam curing exhibited the highest level of strength development while air curing showed the lowest. Flexural strength showed no significant difference depending on age because steel fibers were mixed with UHPC; they significantly contributed to flexural performance. The results would contribute to recognizing differences in strength between members at sites where UHPC is applied and to managing high-quality structures constructed using precast members. These research results are expected to contribute to efficient member production and process management during the construction of large structures such as super-long-span bridges.