Review of strain rate effects for UHPC in tension

The superb mechanical performance of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has led to its rapid adoption within the industry. In addition to mechanical strength exceeding that of conventional concrete by an order of magnitude, UHPC exhibits improved energy absorption and ductility, making it an ideal material for resisting high-energy dynamic loads like impact and blast. A number of recent studies investigate the effect of strain rate on the mechanical response of UHPC in tension. These studies report dynamic increase factors for first cracking strength, ultimate tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, energy absorption, and a variety of other mechanical properties. This paper presents a review of these studies and an analysis of the data presented therein. Data from existing literature suggest that existing models underestimate the strain rate sensitivity of the tensile properties of UHPC, especially at high strain rates. Improved models based on existing data are proposed. Published by Elsevier Ltd.