Textile reinforced concrete to realise ultra high durability concrete (UHDC) in the framework of the EU H2020 project "ReSHEALience"

Abstract

The EU H2020 project "ReSHEALience" (rethinking coastal defence and green-energy service infrastructures through enhanced-durability high-performance cement-based materials) focuses on a holistic approach to create ultra-high durability concrete (UHDC) encompassing the concept and development of advanced materials and tailored design approaches to provide innovative structural solutions. One kind of cement-based composites to realise UHDC structures is textile-reinforced concrete (TRC), in which multiple layers of carbon multifilament yarns composed to a fabric serve as the reinforcement. TRC exhibits multiple micro-crack formation upon tensile loading with fairly small individual crack opening widths, below about 100 μm under service conditions. This characteristic in conjunction with functional admixtures is expected to reach a pronounced self-healing propensity of the cement-based matrix even under very harsh XS exposure conditions. Subsequent to durability-related laboratory experiments regarding sea water as the aggressive medium, two real-scale demonstration projects will be implemented, specifically a breakwater on the Irish west coast and the restoration of a historic water reservoir tower in Malta. This paper presents the concept of TRC development towards a UHDC, outlines the characteristics of the two demonstrators and some preliminary laboratory results.