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High-Performance Concretes

Abstract

This report is a sequel to a previous state-of-the-art report published by SHRP in 1991 and is based on review of selected literature on high performance concrete with particular reference to highway applications. It covers primarily a six-year period from 1989 to 1994 for which the authors have recently compiled an updated annotated bibliography, which has been published by the Federal Highway Administration (Publication No. FHWA-RD-96-112). More recent information on the subject is obtained directly from a variety of publications including books, technical journals, conference proceedings, and research reports.

Included in the review and discussion are the behavior of plastic concrete as well as the strength and deformation characteristics of hardened concrete. Both short-term and long-term effects are considered. In addition, the behavior of both discrete and continuous fiber-reinforced concrete is covered. Furthermore, recent applications of high performance concrete for pavements and bridges, here and abroad, are summarized. Finally, recent activities of organized research and development programs on high performance concrete in different countries are described.

Based on the review of the available information, it is concluded that the growth of the amount of research and applications of high performance concrete has been phenomenal in the past several years. High performance concrete has become widely accepted practically on all continents. Much of the application of HPC remains in the areas of long-span bridges and high-rise buildings. Increasing emphasis is being placed on concrete durability than its strength. In many applications, high strength concrete is used only because of its high durability quality rather than the need for its strength.

Research progress on concrete durability, self-compactable concrete, and innovations in fiber-reinforced concrete are identified and additional areas of research needs are cited.