Analysis of Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness of Ultra-high Performance Concrete

The assessment of the direct and indirect carbon emissions (embodied energy) associated with the creation and application of new varieties of concrete is becoming more and more important. The need for high-strength and high-performance building materials led to the development of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). UHPC offers superior strength and durability, but it is not ideal for the environment because of the significant amount of cement used in the production of UHPC, which further results in high CO2 emissions. Reducing the amount of cement used in UHPC by including Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), industrial by-products, or natural materials can help alleviate environmental stress. When reinforced with fibres, this material demonstrates excellent ductility in addition to its primary characteristics of high strength and endurance. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the embodied energy needed to manufacture UHPC using a non-traditional cementitious material. Understanding the embodied energy of UHPC allows for careful consideration of the consequences of replacing some of the cement with more environmentally friendly ingredients and changing other components. Unit cost index and a relative cost index has been introduced to study the cost-effectiveness of UHPC mixes in terms of compressive strength. The overall carbon output can be successfully decreased and the embodied energy index can be decreased, through the use of high-volume mineral admixtures.