PCI eLearning Course T210: Introduction on Full-Depth Panel Precast Concrete Deck System and its Advantages-ASPIRE Ultra-High Performance Concrete

ASPIRE Ultra-High Performance Concrete

Pdf Summary

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is an extremely durable and strong type of cementitious composite that is commonly used in building bridges and other structures. It contains fiber reinforcement and exhibits self-consolidating properties. UHPC has been used in Europe, Asia, and the United States for highway bridges. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has a Bridge of the Future initiative that aims to find solutions to the deteriorating state of highway bridges. The initiative has performance goals such as a 100-year service life with minimal maintenance, reduced construction time, adaptability to future traffic demands, reduced life-cycle cost, improved resistance to hazards, integrated design and construction, and reduction of clearance problems.<br /><br />UHPC is classified as a type of advanced cementitious composite material that contains cement, aggregates, water, supplementary cementitious materials, chemical admixtures, and short fibers. These concretes have performance attributes that are significantly better than conventional and high-performance concrete. They exhibit exceptional strength and durability, allowing for the redesign of concrete structural systems. However, UHPC properties cannot be measured with standard concrete test methods.<br /><br />There are various potential applications for UHPC in highway infrastructure, although not all of them may be economically viable. Some concepts include bridge redecking systems, optimized prestressed girders, field-cast spliced joints, and cladding shells for bridge barriers. FHWA's UHPC program focuses on developing practical applications to address pressing needs, such as developing lighter and optimized sections, transportable girders, and practical quality assurance/quality control methods.<br /><br />The demand for rehabilitating and constructing highway bridges is increasing, but conventional construction techniques and materials are not sufficient to meet the needs of the 21st century. UHPC provides new possibilities for structural systems and construction techniques, and its use in bridges has been successful. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to further improve UHPC technology and expand its deployment in bridges nationwide.

Keywords

Ultra-high-performance concrete

UHPC

cementitious composite

fiber reinforcement

self-consolidating properties

Bridge of the Future

Federal Highway Administration

advanced cementitious composite material

highway infrastructure

structural systems