Ultra High Performance Concrete

This webinar invites three industry experts to review the material Ultra High Performance Concrete, its sustainability, development of its Specifications and the future of the material.
Sustainability of UHPC Bridges
Presenter: (Jackie) Voo Yen Lei
Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a sustainable construction material recognized for its exceptional durability and ability in providing long spans, especially in segmental precast construction. In Malaysia, the use of long-span UHPC girders has rapidly increased in bridge construction and is particularly beneficial for urban area where the need for piers within the highly congested and obstructed area can be eliminated; or for river crossings in that the need for piers within the waterway can be eliminated. This seminar gives three examples on the environmental impact calculation (EIC) of (i) 60m standard span UHPC composite bridge versus conventional high strength concrete composite bridge; (ii) the 105m navigation span UHPC composite bridge versus the steel I-beam composite bridge and (iii) the 100m long UHPC box girder versus the steel I-beam composite bridge. Precast-prestressed UHPC girders were used with a conventional normal strength concrete deck. Sustainability assessment comparing it with a conventional steel composite design reveals that the UHPC bridge exhibits significantly better sustainability metrics, with less than 60% of the embodied carbon compared to an alternative steel design.
Development of a Technical Specification and Design Standard for UHPC
Presenter: Scott Taylor
There is a process underway to develop technical specifications and design standards to guide designers, contractors and suppliers on technical requirements of UHPC to better enable industry to take advantage of the many opportunities UHPC will offer.
In this session Scott will outline the intended plan to develop a technical specification to define materials properties and constructability aspects of UHPC, and a design standard that will provide design guidance on the use of UHPC.  The development of the technical specification is well underway by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) in Victoria, and the content and industry feedback received will be presented in this session.
Exploring the future of UHPC Bridge Construction: Advancements, Challenges, and its Role in Critical Infrastructure Development
Presenter: Stephen Foster
This presentation examines the evolving landscape of bridge construction using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC), highlighting several projects that have transformed the field. UHPC is renowned for its superior strength and durability, offering substantial improvements over traditional concrete in terms of structural integrity and design flexibility. These developments facilitate the creation of longer, slimmer, and more aesthetically appealing bridges, while simultaneously ensuring increased resilience and longevity. The presentation discusses some of the challenges associated with UHPC implementation, such as limited professional expertise, and the need for more national standards and practices. Despite these hurdles, the vital role UHPC plays in the future of designing remotely located bridges, which are instrumental in improving transportation networks, fostering economic growth, and providing durability against various hazards, is examined. The presentation describes the need for intensified education and policy initiatives to fully exploit UHPC’s capabilities in bridge construction and broader infrastructure projects in Australia.
CPD
This webinar provides 1 hour of CPD. Engineers Australia members may claim this hour of CPD if applicable to their area of engineering practice. This webinar is also recognised CPD for members of other professional bodies with annual CPD obligations. Participants should retain their purchase confirmation as evidence for their CPD records.