Research and Development Office

Ultra-High Performance Concrete for Concrete Repair and Canal Linings

Project ID: 1789
Principal Investigator: Catherine Lucero
Research Topic: Repair and Maintenance
Funded Fiscal Years: 2017, 2018 and 2019
Keywords: None

Research Question

Can ultra-high performance concrete be used as a repair material in hydraulic structures including canals?

Need and Benefit

Need: Several of Reclamation's facilities are in need of repair. The results of this research will provide the regions with a long-term repair solution. Additionally, Reclamation has thousands of miles of canals. Normal concrete can crack easily and has several joints that allow water to seep out of the canal. UHPC is nearly impermeable and is a possible solution for repairing a canal and reducing water loss. There is currently no published research with using UHPC as a lining and limited literature on UHPC as a repair material.
Benefit: While UHPC is more expensive than traditional concrete, the service life is longer and can reduce operation and maintenance costs over time. The application of UHPC is similar to normal concrete, with minor modifications (such as mixing time) that do not require special equipment. UHPC can be mixed on site or pre-cast, making it ideal for many applications.
Urgency: Reclamation structures such as stilling basins require frequent repair due to erosion. UHPC offers a long lasting solution to features subjected to abrasion. Additionally, a significant source of water loss is through cracks in canal linings. UHPC is nearly impermeable and less susceptible to cracking compared to traditional concrete. As the importance of conserving water in the west increases, the need to perform this research becomes more urgent.

Contributing Partners

Contact the Principal Investigator for information about partners.

Research Products

Bureau of Reclamation Review

The following documents were reviewed by experts in fields relating to this project's study and findings. The results were determined to be achieved using valid means.

Ultra-High Performance Concrete for Concrete Repair and Canal Linings (final, PDF, 2.5MB)
By Catherine Lucero
Research Product completed on September 30, 2018

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