Ultra-high performance concrete – properties and technology

The paper deals with information concerning properties and technology of a new generation cementitious composite i.e. Ultra-High Performance Concrete. High performance here means both high strength and high durability under the influence of environmental factors. This group of composites is mainly represented by Reactive Powder Concretes (RPC), which show both outstanding durability and mechanical properties. Characteristic features of RPC are mainly due to the very low water-cement ratio, which involves application of superplasticizer, significant reduction of aggregate grains size as well as hydrothermal treatment. In the first part of the paper selected properties of RPC are compared to ordinary concrete and to other groups of new generation concrete. Moreover, fundamental technological factors influencing properties of RPC are described as well. The second part deals with the RPC developed at Cracow University of Technology. The presented test results are mainly focused on the influence of steel fibres content on mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete and hydrothermal treatment on composites microstructure. The quantitative and qualitative evaluation of this relationship expand the knowledge of the UHPC technology. Finally, the third part presents the most significant and newest structures which have been erected with the use of RPC.