TY - JOUR A1 - Voigt, Marieke A1 - von Werder, Julia A1 - Meng, Birgit T1 - Investigation of the zonation of thermally treated ultra high performance concrete JF - Construction and Building Materials N2 - Ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) is characterised by its high compressive strength of more than 120 MPa and its high durability. With thermal treatment at 90°C, hydration is accelerated and a strength comparable to the 28-day strength can be achieved immediately after the treatment. In applying Optimum process conditions, the strength can be even further increased by up to 30%. Previous Research showed that thermal treatment can lead to inhomogeneities in form of a visible zonation within the cross-section, if the UHPC is not protected sufficiently from desiccation. This led to the question, to what extent the related changes in mechanical properties, microstructure and phase composition are of relevance for the performance of the UHPC. First investigations of small specimens thermally treated without protection exhibited a decrease of compressive strength, indicating that the zonation aspect requires further research. In this study the zonation of UHPC treated thermally at 90°C is investigated after applying four different procedures of treatment and curing in comparison. The samples are characterized with respect to their chemistry, mineral composition and microstructure to allow an assessment on durability and strength development, with focus on potential depth dependent changes associated with the zonation. The measurements reveal the formation of a visible zonation in case of unprotected treatment, if followed by immersion in water. The compressive strength is not significantly impaired, but a decrease in bending strength gives reason for concern. Further results allow clear correlation with changes in pore structure, whereas the interpretation of relationships with phase distribution, degree of hydration, microchemistry is more complex and therefore, provides only partial clarification. KW - UHPC KW - Thermal treatment KW - Zonation KW - Desiccation KW - Microstructure KW - Durability PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.119187 VL - 254 SP - 119187 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-50828 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -