RETRACTED: Mechanical properties, durability and application of ultra-high-performance concrete containing coarse aggregate (UHPC-CA): A review

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a distinguishing material used in new construction and in conjunction with conventional concrete. However, some issues limit its broader applicability, such as high autogenous shrinkage, high cost, and insufficient elastic modulus increase compared with the normal strength concrete. Therefore, this paper reviews the key properties of UHPC containing coarse aggregate – added as a novel ingredient to the UHPC matrix to solve the issues mentioned above. This review covers the following aspects: (1) the influence on workability and mechanical properties (including compressive, tensile, flexural properties, and elastic modulus); (2) the recommendations on the study of compression constitutive properties of UHPC containing coarse aggregate (UHPC-CA); (3) the elastic modulus prediction; (4) the durability, high-temperature performance, and shrinkage of UHPC-CA; (5) the successful structural applications; and (6) UHPC-CA performance radar chart, and a design method based on performance. The results show that the introduction of coarse aggregate has significant effects on the mechanical performance of UHPC. For compressive properties, there is an optimal coarse aggregate content for each mix proportion; For tensile and flexural properties, coarse aggregate has negative effects mainly due to the decline of efficiency coefficient of fibers; On the contrary, for elastic modulus, coarse aggregate has positive effect attribute to its high rigidity. Besides, the durability, including the resistance to chloride ion penetration, salt crystallization and frost heaving, and high temperature performance and shrinkage, of UHPC-CA is superior. This review is expected to give an overview of the research field and provide guidance for future research.