Constitutive Behavior

The Effects of Resonant Acoustic Mixing on the Microstructure of UHPC

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Abstract

As interest grows to produce ultra-high performance cementitious (UHPC) materials that are more durable and economical, the mixing process becomes the essence of producing high quality UHPC. Exploring other mixing technologies could be a way to increase the quality of production. Consequently, with any new mixing technology, adequate research is needed to explore the effects a new mixing technology could have on UHPC. In this research study, we present a novel type of UHPC mixing technology called Resonant Acoustic® Mixing (RAM) Technology. RAM combines the principles of reciprocating movement agitation and acoustic streaming micro-mixing by applying a high frequency acoustic pressure wave to induce mixing. We study the effects of RAM on the microstructure of a designated UHPC mix through back-scattering electron scanning microscopy (BSE-SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). Our results show that RAM mixing produces a dense UHPC matrix with low porosity.

Keywords: UHPC, microstructure, mixing, SEM

How to Cite:

Vandenberg, A. & Wille, K., (2019) “The Effects of Resonant Acoustic Mixing on the Microstructure of UHPC”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 2(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.9636