Performance Evaluation and Sustainability Potential of Ultra-High Performance Concrete in Modern Infrastructure
![]() |
International Journal of Recent Engineering Science (IJRES) | ![]() |
© 2025 by IJRES Journal | ||
Volume-12 Issue-4 |
||
Year of Publication : 2025 | ||
Authors : Shreeshail Heggond |
||
DOI : 10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V12I4P107 |
How to Cite?
Shreeshail Heggond, "Performance Evaluation and Sustainability Potential of Ultra-High Performance Concrete in Modern Infrastructure," International Journal of Recent Engineering Science, vol. 12, no. 4, pp. 75-85, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23497157/IJRES-V12I4P107
Abstract
Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) marks a significant move forward in concrete technology. It provides outstanding mechanical and durability qualities that surpass those of regular and high-performance concrete. This study assesses the performance features and sustainability potential of UHPC in modern infrastructure settings. The research examines the development of compressive and flexural strength, permeability, abrasion resistance, and long-term durability of UHPC mixtures. This study includes mixtures with and without Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) like silica fume, fly ash, and GGBS. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate UHPC's resistance to chloride ion penetration, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical attack, confirming its effectiveness in harsh environments. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods were used to analyze UHPC's environmental impact during production, transportation, and throughout its service life. The results indicate that while the energy and carbon footprint of UHPC production are higher initially due to the use of fine powders and high cement content, these effects are balanced by the Material's longer lifespan, reduced maintenance needs, and smaller cross-sectional dimensions in structural components. The study emphasizes the importance of fiber reinforcement in improving crack resistance and structural strength. This quality makes UHPC suitable for high-rise buildings, long-span bridges, and structures in seismic zones. Using sustainable methods, like including waste materials and optimizing mixes, further lowers environmental impact. UHPC offers remarkable performance features alongside considerable sustainability potential, positioning it as a key material for creating durable and eco-efficient Infrastructure. Future research may focus on developing smart UHPC composites with self-sensing and self-healing properties to enhance resilience and functionality in civil engineering.
Keywords
FRCC, Freeze-thaw cycles, LCA, SCMs, UHPC.
Reference
[1] Ahmad Rizwan Mumtaz et al., “Novel Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) Enhanced by Superhydrophobic and Self Luminescent Features,” Sustainability, vol. 16, no. 3, pp. 1-21, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Dadi Rambabu, Shashi Kant Sharma, and M. Abdul Akbar, “Performance Evaluation of Ultra-high Performance Concrete (UHPC) and Ultra-high Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) in Pavement Applications,” Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, vol. 49, pp. 13685-13707, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Zixuan Chen et al., “Push-Off Test on Concrete-Concrete Interface with Different Types of Concrete after Elevated Temperatures,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 377, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Donguk Choi et al., “Mechanical Properties of UHPC and UHP Fiber Reinforced Concrete UHPFRC with Recycled Sand,” International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, vol. 17, no. 67, pp. 1- 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Yang He, Jiayu Duan, and Xiao Bo Chen, “Review Study on the Interface between Ultra-High Performance Concrete and Ordinary Concrete,” Journal of Materials Science Research and Reviews, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 530-539, 2023.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] Yong Leng et al., “Development of an Environmental Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) Incorporating Carbonated Recycled Coarse Aggregate,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 362, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] S. Abdal et al., “Application of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete in Bridge Engineering: Current Status, Limitations, Challenges, and Future Prospects,” Buildings, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1-24, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[8] Eeman Al-Ameen, Ana Blanco, and Sergio Cavalaro, “Durability, Permeability, and Mechanical Performance of Sprayed UHPC, as an Attribute of Fibre Content and Geometric Stability,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 407, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Mugahed Amran et al., “Sustainable Development of Eco-Friendly Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC): Cost, Carbon Emission, and Structural Ductility,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 398, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] Liang Dong et al., “Effect of Chloride Ion Migration Behaviour on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ultra-High Performance Concrete: A Review,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 82, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Zheng Fang et al., “Research on Mechanical Properties and Hydration Characteristics of Ultra-High Performance Concrete with High Volume Fly Ash Microsphere,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 78, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Zhiqiang Gu et al., “Fatigue Behavior and Calculation Methods of High Strength Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beam,” Sustainable Structures, vol. 3, no. 2, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Maziar Kazemian, and Behrouz Shafei, “Effects of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on the Hydration of Ultrahigh-Performance Concrete,” Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, vol. 35, no. 11, pp. 1-13, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Jie Luo et al., “Research on the Performance of Superhydrophobic Cement-Based Materials Based on Composite Hydrophobic Agents,” Materials, vol. 16, no. 19, pp. 1-17, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Soufien Moula et al., “Mechanical Properties, Carbon Footprint and Cost of Ultra-High Performance Concrete Containing Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 79, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] Antonija Ocelić, Ana Baričević, and Marina Frančić Smrkić, “Synergistic Integration of Waste Fibres and Supplementary Cementitious Materials to enhance sustainability of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC),” Case Studies in Construction Materials, vol. 20, pp. 1-14, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Theodora Tasiopoulou et al., “Production-Process Simulation and Life-Cycle Assessment of Metakaolin as Supplementary Cementitious Material,” Engineering, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 761-779, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] Bassam A. Tayeh et al., “Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)-Applications Worldwide: A State-of-the-Art Review,” Journal of Engineering Research and Technology, vol. 10, pp. 12-17, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Yingbin Wang et al., “Preparation of Sustainable Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with Ultra-Fine Glass Powder as Multi Dimensional Substitute Material,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 401, pp. 1-10, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Qianzuo Yuan, Chen Shi, and Tingshu He, “Design and Performance Optimization of Self-Cleaning Coating on Decorative UHPC Surface,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 394, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Zhihui Yu et al., “Influence of Eco-Friendly Finer Aggregate on Macroscopic Properties, Microstructure and Durability of Ultra-High Performance Concrete: A Review,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 65, pp. 1-33, 2023.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Mohammed K. Al-Madani et al., “Interfacial Bond Behavior between Ultra High Performance Concrete and Normal Concrete Substrates,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 320, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] Mugahed Amran et al., “Recent Trends In Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC): Current Status, Challenges, And Future Prospects,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 352, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] D.C. Jaramillo-Murcia et al., “Properties Analysis of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete with Recycled Glass and Limestone Powders,” ACI Materials Journal, vol. 119, no. 5, pp. 153-163, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Yeou-Fong Li et al., “Influence of Sizing of Basalt Fiber on the Mechanical Behavior of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete,” Journal of Materials Research and Technology, vol. 21, pp. 295-307, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Baifu Luo, Chengwei Deng, and Yi Luo, “Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of UHPC with Recycled Glasses after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures,” Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 62, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]