WHAT IS ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE?

Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is characterized by its strength range of 130-200 MPa, which sets it apart from other concretes such as fiber concrete and high-strength concrete, which have a strength range of 50-90 MPa. At Hi-Con, we use our own generation of UHPC, known as CRC, which stands for Compact Reinforced Composite. This type of concrete was originally developed and patented in 1986 by Hans Henrik Bache at Aalborg Portland, making it the world's first UHPC.

CRC has a very high compressive strength – typically averaging around 165 MPa in our production. However, since strength is not crucial in most of our projects, we often specify a lower characteristic strength value.

The high strength is due to a very dense matrix with low porosity, which is essential for providing extremely good durability and lifespans exceeding 100 years, even in marine environments or where structures are exposed to severe frost.

At Hi-Con, we also use a high content of steel fibers in our concrete, which gives us the desired toughness. This means we can use closely spaced reinforcement without causing cracks. We categorize our CRC under the term UHPC to indicate that we exploit a range of properties beyond just strength. Traditional fiber concrete is only reinforced by the fibers, while we use fibers as "secondary" reinforcement. The fibers ensure crack control and are important for managing deflections, while we use traditional reinforcement to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the structures.

Material properties

WHY CHOOSE ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE?

Ultra High Performance Concrete looks like concrete and behaves like concrete, but in terms of properties, UHPC is a cross between steel and concrete. Compared to traditional concrete, UHPC—specifically CRC in our case—has significantly higher compressive and tensile strength. Additionally, the material offers better durability, meaning a 10-15 mm cover on the reinforcement is sufficient, with better anchorage and abrasion resistance. Compared to steel, CRC has about one-third the density, better durability, significantly better fire resistance, and the ability to perform more robust "welds."

So why choose UHPC?

When you use UHPC in your construction project, you are offered a lighter and more slender solution than you would experience with traditional concrete. At the same time, you can avoid complicated joints. If you are considering UHPC versus steel, UHPC offers a maintenance-free solution and a fire-safe construction that can be shaped and designed without limitations.

UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Be creative and don't be limited by what you are used to designing and shaping with ordinary concrete. In many cases, CRC i2® can offer the possibility for new forms and new expressions in your elements.
Our CRC elements have very long durability.

We can achieve the long durability and lifespan of over 100 years due to the very dense matrix and low porosity of our material. For the builder or end user, this means that there are fewer lifetime costs associated with CRC i2® elements.
When you use UHPC CRC in your construction, you can expect maintenance-free elements. They do need to be cleaned of ordinary dirt, like any other concrete elements. However, this type of patina does not affect the structural function of the element. Therefore, when you use our material, you should not expect to replace the elements within the next 100+ years – not even in marine environments where the elements are exposed to extreme conditions. Thus, the material helps keep the operational and maintenance costs of, for example, balconies, down.
Our elements can be attached using various installation methods, sometimes even a mix of different techniques. Regardless of the installation method, you can be assured that we will find the optimal solution for your specific construction project.
Like concrete, CRC i2® is a fire-resistant material. Over the years, we have conducted several fire tests on our material, which you can read more about in our knowledge center.
When we cast our elements, we use a very thin cover layer, making it possible to cast slim elements. It's not the material itself but the lesser amount of material we use in our castings that results in these very slim and light elements. This property makes it possible to produce elements in enormous formats, so don't be afraid to dream big.

Do not be limited by what you think is an unattainable vision. In many cases, it is more the building itself, regulations, or other factors that limit the size and possibilities, not the material, CRC i2®.

If you have a grand vision, we can help you realize it.
Due to a very dense matrix and low porosity, our material CRC i2® possesses enormous compressive strength. This strength surpasses that of ordinary concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and high-strength concrete. Our typical compressive strength in production is 165 MPa.
When installing solutions from Hi-Con, smaller cranes are used compared to traditional concrete. This makes the installation both easier and faster.
Due to the material's extreme strength and density, we use less material compared to similar elements in conventional concrete, which means we apply a very small cover layer on the reinforcement. A study also shows that the production of Hi-Con concept balconies emits 22.8% less CO2 than a steel balcony. Read more about the study here.

Additionally, the material has a lifespan of 100+ years, making it a more environmentally conscious choice.

Download our EPD

SURFACES - TEXTURE AND COLORS

Ultra High Performance Concrete can, like regular concrete, be tailored to the aesthetic expression you desire. The standard colors are gray and light, but it is also possible to dye and texture the concrete. Additionally, the aggregate can be varied so that the surface appears rougher than the standard concrete.