Comparing Shear Strength Prediction Models of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Girders

The use of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) in bridge construction has been growing rapidly in the last 15 years due to its excellent mechanical and durability properties. One of the areas of interest to bridge engineers is the elimination of transverse reinforcement in precast/prestressed concrete girders as it simplifies girder fabrication and result in smaller and lighter girder sections. UHPC has a relatively high post-cracking tensile strength due to the presence of steel fibers, which enhance its shear strength and eliminate the need for transverse reinforcement. In this paper, three prediction models for the shear strength of UHPC are discussed: RILEM TC 162-TDF 2003, fib Model Code 2010, and French Standard NF P 18-710 2016. Data obtained from several UHPC shear experiments in the literature was collected to evaluate the prediction models of the shear strength of UHPC girders. Comparing predicted versus measured shear strength of UHPC girders indicated that the French Standard NF P 18-710 2016 model provides the closest prediction, while the fib Model Code 2010 model provides the least scattered prediction of UHPC shear strength.