Architectural

The Next Generation of UHPC

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Abstract

In the 1980s, the laboratories of AALBORG PORTLAND A/S, in Denmark, conducted pioneering research to develop very dense cement-based binder-matrices, in order to fully exploit the performance of concrete. These efforts based on the AALBORG WHITE®Portlandcement resulted in the first ever patented ultra-high performance steel fiber reinforced concrete –bearing the name Compact Reinforced Composite, CRC®. Now an Innovation Team from AALBORG PORTLAND’s parent company Cementir Holding is further developing the very complex binder technology behind Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) with an optimized mixture of materials. This technology is based on a further refinement of Cementir Holdings recently patented binder technology, FUTURECEMTM. This product employs a unique selection of binder components already well known to the cement and concrete industry to provide highly advantageous pozzolanic reactions. It has the advantage of not being constrained by the availability and quality of waste materials from other industries. This paper will describe the principles behind the technology, the performance parameters that can be achieved and outline the benefits that can be realized with this new material. In addition,this paper will make the case that UHPC has the potential to become the most sustainable of construction materials. It aligns perfectly with societal megatrends that favor fast-track construction, prefabricated building components and ease of installation all while delivering on the promise of low weight and enduring aesthetics. UHPC is highly efficient in material optimization with excellent strength to mass ratios. Properly designed and installed UHPC building elements yield high energy efficiency, great resilience and durability, are low maintenance and can have a high degree of component reuse. A great deal of attention is placed on the impressive strength of these materials, however the sustainable design potential for their use will come from other performance parameters such as the ability to safely reduce the amount of cover over reinforcing. To fully realize UHPC’s potential, mixtures must perfectly balance component chemistry and particle packing to minimize shrinkage and cracking, have low permeability and in architectural applications, provide good aesthetics. This paper will demonstrate an innovative approach to achieving these goals and exceed the most optimistic aspirations of the CRC® pioneers that introduced the world to UHPC.

Keywords: durability, ultra-high-performance concrete, UHPC, fiber-reinforced concrete, pozzolan, CRC, DSP

How to Cite:

Quist Batista, C. M., Rowland, L. & Pram Nielsen, E., (2019) “The Next Generation of UHPC”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 2(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.9698