Assessment of the possibility of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) in strengthening bridge pier

Abstract

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a new generation of concrete technology with superior strength and durability as compared to conventional concrete. UHPC has been applied in strengthening reinforced concrete and create an innovative solution beside traditional solutions such as using carbon fiber reinforced polymer, steel tube, or normal strength concrete. Therefore, this paper is aimed at evaluating the possibility of UHPC in strengthening bridge pier. This paper clearly describes some characteristics of using UHPC when strengthening bridge pier by collecting and analyzing the previous studies. Furthermore, this paper compares advantages and disadvantages of UHPC solution with other traditional solutions. When the bridge pier is strengthened by UHPC, the load bearing capacity and long time durability of the structure are significantly enhanced. The research results in this paper indicate that UHPC is a potential material, which can replace other conventional materials in strengthening bridge pier.

Keywords: Concrete; UHPC; strength; durability; bridge pier; strengthening.