Eco-Innovation: Development of Sustainable and Affordable Ultra High Performance Geopolymer Concrete for Industrial Floor Applications

The drying shrinkage and the concrete spalling during the catastrophic fire can lead to serviceability and the structural failures, in particular, for ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC is a new and versatile concrete, yet, its extensive application is hindered by high materials cost and high adverse impact on environments. 

The key objectives of the proposed project are to develop novel,innovative, crack-resistant, fire-resistant, low-cost, user and eco-friendly, lower energy, low carbon footprint, sustainable and durable Ultra High Performance GeoPolymer Concrete (UHPGPC) using Recycled Steel Fibres derived from waste Tyres (RTSF) and Recycled Aggregates (RA). This will lead to “UHP.RTYF.Geo-Crete” which can be used as slabs on grade for the large industrial floors and tunnels amongst other applications. 

This project will investigate the shrinkage cracking and the fire-induced spalling mechanisms, the fibre-matrix compatibility, durability, thermal, physical, mechanical, and the micro-structural properties through the multidisciplinary investigations including, FTIR, SEM-EDS, TGA-DTA, XRD, MIP and Xray CT scanning. Also, it will deal with the present challenges of UHPC viz., higher materials cost; CO2 emissions; depletion of restricted natural aggregate resources; pollution of environment, soil, surface and sub-surface water as well as health hazards associated with the unsystematic disposal of discarded tyres, industrial wastes and Construction & Demolition Wastes (CDW). 

The University of Sheffield, U.K. is world leading in Fibre Reinforced Concrete (FRC) design and re-using wastes in concrete. It will also offer a broad and comprehensive training to the fellow in order to establish her as an independent researcher.