Rheological Evaluation of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete as a Rehabilitation Alternative for Pavement Overlays

Abstract

This study evaluates the rheological behavior and mechanical performance of Ultra-High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) mixes with varying superplasticizer dosages, aiming to optimize their use in pavement rehabilitation overlays on sloped surfaces. A reference self-compacting UHPFRC mix was modified by reducing the superplasticizer-to-binder ratio in incremental steps, and the resulting mixes were assessed through rheometry, mini-Slump, and Abrams cone tests. Key rheological parameters—static and dynamic yield stress, plastic viscosity, and thixotropy—were determined using the modified Bingham model. The results showed that reducing superplasticizer content increased yield stress and viscosity, enhancing thixotropic behavior while maintaining ultra-high compressive (≥130 MPa) and flexural strength (≥20 MPa) at 28 days. A predictive model was validated to estimate the critical yield stress needed for overlays on slopes. Among the evaluated formulations, the SP-2 mix met the stability and performance criteria and was successfully tested in a prototype overlay, demonstrating its viability for field application. This research confirms the potential of rheology-tailored UHPFRC as a high-performance solution for durable and stable pavement overlays in demanding geometric conditions.