Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an advanced cement-based, fiber-reinforced composite material that is emerging as a popular solution to many challenges related to highway bridge performance and durability. UHPC-class materials exhibit mechanical and durability properties that far exceed those of both conventional and high-performance concretes. The Structural Concrete Group at FHWA’s Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) has been conducting research on UHPC-class materials for more than 15 years, and has played a significant role in the growing popularity of this innovative class of materials in the US bridge market.
The objective of this presentation is to introduce the state-of-practice for UHPC in US highway bridge market, and discuss how this material is innovating the way we design and construct highway bridges. The presentation will include: a review of the basic properties of UHPC-class materials; a discussion of the current deployments in the US bridge market; and a discussion of recent research conducted at TFHRC. Research topics to be discussed will include: prefabricated bridge element connections using UHPC; UHPC for bridge repair and rehabilitation; and recent research focused on understanding the fundamental material properties and structural response of UHPC-class materials.

Dr. Zach Haber is a research structural engineer on FHWA’s Bridge Engineering Research Team at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) in McLean, Virginia, USA. Dr. Haber’s research areas include prefabricated bridge systems and applications of innovative materials in bridge engineering. He provides technical assistance and outreach to bridge owners, designers, and consultants interested in developing or deploying innovative bridge engineering solutions.