Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is a class of advanced fiber-reinforced cementitious composite materials whose mechanical strength and durability amply surpass those of conventional concrete. UHPC exhibits unconfined compressive strength above 150 MPa (21.7 ksi), pre- and post-cracking tensile strength above 5 MPa (0.7 ksi), and enhanced durability via a discontinuous pore structure.
The family of Cor-Tuf UHPC raises the bar and is the benchmark for this class of materials. Developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (patent US 8016938 B2), the unconfined compressive strength of Cor-Tuf can exceed 240 MPa (34.8 ksi) on cylinder tests for applications requiring anti-ballistic resistance (e.g., blast protection shells for stay cables and hangers of bowstring arches and suspension bridges) and protection of humans and sensitive property.
The tensile strength and ductility of Cor-Tuf derive from the fibers integrated into the composite matrix. Polyester, fiberglass, basalt, steel and stainless steel fibers increase the uniaxial tensile strength from the cracking strength of the cementitious conglomerate to the bridging strength of the embedded fibers. The benefits of the exceptional strength and ductility of Cor-Tuf are thinner, lighter structural members with increased durability.
Cor-Tuf can be molded into any design, texture, color and shape. Architectural elements such as bridge parapets can achieve any appearance desired by the architect. Cor-Tuf can also be cast in-place to connect precast members and in response to particular design requirements.
Cor-Tuf is very adhesive, which makes it the best material for retrofitting and widening of existing bridges. Cor-Tuf also is moisture resistant and impervious to the penetration of chloride ions and aggressive agents. As a result, products made of Cor-Tuf offer much longer service life.
The webpages of Cor-Tuf UHPC in the Bridge Industry provide extensive information on the topic. Cor-Tuf UHPC has also offered six downloadable publications that define the state-of-the-art for the use of UHPC in bridge structures and include hundreds of bibliographic references. Do not hesitate to download the publications: they are totally free.
Cor-Tuf UHPC participates in four collections of the Bridge Industry:
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