UHPC evolution, development, and utilization in construction: a review

An advanced development in construction industry was achieved by applying ultra-high-performance concrete technology (UHPC). Intensive research efforts had been concentrated in construction to produced amazing levels of qualities with strength greater than 150 MPa and high durability that had never been thought possible before. With this technology, it is possible to construct structures beyond the usual designs but with limited use in construction since it is not commercially viable to replace conventional concrete in most applications. This is attributed to the high cost of materials, the lack of their availability, limited design codes, and complicated manufacturing and curing techniques. This paper reviews the evolution of UHPC and the suggested ideas to replace its expensive composites by cementitious materials. However, concrete made with these alternative materials will not be of the same quality as the standard UHPC. Another promising choice, which seems to be more practical and easier to promote UHPC technology in construction, is looming on the horizon. It is based on the utilization of UHPC in hybrid structures by combining UHPC with other construction materials. The cost of production will hopefully be reduced with such composite structures that have the advantages of the combined materials. Therefore, it is recommended to continue research into this choice which will increase the potential of UHPC to be more accepted in many different construction applications.