The Future of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete in Infrastructure Projects in the United States

The ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), developed in France in late 1990s under the name reactive powder concrete (RPC), is currently used by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) in different infrastructure applications. Major emphasis is given to precast/prestressed girder bridge construction, with an eye on increasing bridge spans, reducing the number of girders, and decreasing the girders depth. The aforementioned advantages are attained due to the superior characteristics and enhanced mechanical properties of the UHPC mixes, mainly increased compressive strength and modulus of elasticity. Despite the mechanical advantages and superior long-term performance, the UHPC market share is considerably small, and the number of UHPC bridges is limited. However, UHPC is being used in small-size repairs, casting connections, and joints. The main impediments to the widespread of UHPC in bridge construction is attributed to the high material cost of proprietary mixes ($2000 per cubic yard), lack of design specifications and construction expertise in handling UHPC construction projects. This paper presents current and possible future applications of UHPC. In addition, it presents a detailed study on current UHPC practices, advantages, disadvantages, and main impediments to the widespread of UHPC in bridge construction industry.