Flexural performance of Ultra High Performance Concrete slabs under simultaneous environmental and mechanical loading

Residual tensile strength, controlled crack propagation with small cracks at the ultimate loading condi-tion and null cracks at service condition are the main mechanical characteristics of Ultra High Perfor-mance Concrete (UHPC) elements. The experimental part of this study aims to understand the flexural behaviour of UHPC slabs (1.5 m × 0.6 m and 0.6 m × 0.6 m, both with 30 mm thickness). Three mixes have been implemented, including crystalline admixture as self-healing stimulator and either alumina nanofibers or cellulose nanocrystals. The service life of the slabs and a UHPC structure has been pre-dicted by implementing durability parameters in the sectional analysis. This study provides useful out-puts for the characterisation and structural design of UHPC materials and structural components with-out reinforcing bars, also considering the durability performance.