About the author  ⁄ John S. Lawler, Ph.D., P.E.

John S. Lawler is an Associate Principal at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE) in Northbrook, IL. His interests include concrete materials evaluation and research, especially the implementation of UHPC for precast applications. (jlawler@wje.com)

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is an emerging class of concrete characterized by ultra-high compressive strength, significant post-cracking ductility, and exceptional durability compared to conventional concrete. UHPC is usually distinguished from conventional or high-performance concrete based on its compressive strength, which can range from a minimum of 17,000 psi to more than 30,000 psi. In addition, it also often exhibits post-cracking tensile strengths over 1,000 psi, a more than ten-fold decrease in chloride diffusion rates compared to conventional concrete, and essentially no susceptibility to deterioration by freezing and thawing (Russell & Graybeal, 2013). Most UHPC is also self-consolidating.

Read More →
STRUCTURE magazine