Form ProjStat (Rev. 5/2013)

(RTI)

Research Project Statement 18-91
FY 2018 Annual Program
Title: / Developing Performance Specification for High Performance Concrete
The Problem: / TxDOT currently defines high performance concrete (HPC) as Mix Design Options 1-4. These mix design options require the use of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) at varying minimum replacement percentages with maximum water to cementitious ratios. It should be noted that these mix design options were developed for alkali-silica reaction (ASR) mitigation, and not for providing other durability aspects (reduced shrinkage and permeability). Very little work has been done to determine the long-term durability performance of these options, and if they are adequate to provide long-term durability often needed when HPC is specified.
An additional issue is that TxDOT does not define HPC performance. What limits of permeability, shrinkage, surface resistivity, and chloride ingress are acceptable to be considered HPC? Will these limits differ based on region (Panhandle vs. coastal) or application of concrete (bridge deck vs. cap or column)? Is service life modeling and necessary testing needed to ensure at least 75 years of service in severe environments?
Performance based concrete specifications often require additional non-routine testing that most labs are unfamiliar with, and this additional testing usually requires longer testing periods to allow the concrete to mature, which can prolong the mix design approval process. Is it possible to develop prescriptive requirements for varying applications and geographical regions to eliminate the need for additional testing?
Technical
Objectives: / 1.  Perform field surveys and sampling needed to recommend performance based concrete specification limits for HPC (statewide and regional).
2.  Recommend lab and field testing to determine which HPC requirements will be met (permeability, surface resistivity, shrinkage, diffusion).
3.  Evaluate current HPC (Options 1-4) lab and field concrete mixes, and determine if these concrete mixes are adequate to provide long-term durability in typical aggressive environments.
4.  Evaluate concrete mix designs developed to provide long-term performance.
5.  Develop performance- and prescriptive-based concrete specifications for HPC.
Desired
Deliverables: / 1.  Technical memorandum for each task completed.
2.  Value of Research (VoR) that includes both qualitative and economic benefits.
3.  Final report documenting all procedures, findings, and recommendations.
4.  Project summary report.
5.  Pamphlet/reference guide for recommended technologies
a.  Material specifications.
b.  Pros and cons each technologies.
c.  Construction tips.
Proposal
Requirements: / 1.  Utilize the deliverable based templates (see the appendices provided or in the University Handbook).
2.  Proposals will be considered non-responsive and will not be accepted for technical evaluation if they are not received by the deadline or do not meet the requirements stated in RTI’s University Handbook.
3.  Proposals should be submitted in PDF format, 1 PDF file per proposal. File name should include project name and university abbreviation.
Pre-Proposal Meeting Information: / Monday, March 27, 2017 1:00 – 3:00PM
Austin Riverside Campus
118 E. Riverside Dr.
RTI Conference Room, 1st Floor
Webex Information:
1. Go to https://txdot.webex.com/txdot/j.php?MTID=m18a41d58c349f4a7137855fdd8353de8
2. If requested, enter your name and email address.
3. If a password is required, enter the meeting password: RwUc6FNR
4. Click "Join".
Teleconference information:
Provide your phone number when you join the meeting to receive a call back. Alternatively, you can call:
Call-in toll-free number: 1-855-437-3563(US)
Conference Code: 732 576 156
Notifying RTI of Intent to Propose: / In order to be notified if additional project information is distributed by TxDOT, you must contact RTI, at (512) 416-4730 or by April 3, 2017, if you plan to propose.
Proposal
Deadline: / Proposals are due to RTI by 4:00 p.m. Central Time, May 11, 2017. Email submissions should be sent to .

Project Statement 18-91