Construction crews know how to get a batch of concrete mixed, poured, and leveled. At job sites around the country (and the world), construction professionals use standard machines and well-known techniques to do the job right.
Concrete is the foundation of modern construction. Its strength and durability enables it to support heavy structures over long periods of time. Compressive strength is the prominent concrete specification, but tensile, flexural, and other properties can play a significant role in modern designs.
is the world’s preeminent authority on concrete research and industry standards. Based in Michigan and founded in 1904, ACI develops technical standards and certification criteria for the production, installation, and maintenance of concrete. Building and design codes at the local, state, federal, and international levels increasingly rely on ACI publications to establish specifications for concrete construction.
The use of ultra-high-performance concrete is becoming more common, thanks in no small part to the fact that it can now be mixed, transported, and poured using standard ready-mix trucks. The cost is also coming down, because you don’t need to buy a concrete manufacturer’s sand or cement; you can use your own. More on that in a bit.
Are you ready for nationwide adoption of Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)? We’re at an inflection point in the concrete construction industry. Engineers, contractors, and regulators
Urban infrastructure projects have unique challenges relative to greenfield construction. Working in tight areas, accommodating legacy structures, and designing for high traffic are common constraints
Concrete testing companies refer to the ASTM 1856 standard when testing UHPC concrete. However, in practice, we have seen situations where even slight deviations from the standard
Construction mobilization enables contractors to begin a project right. Equipment, trailers, and the laydown yard are set up for the job ahead before the inevitable
Every draw request comes with a guarantee that the project meets spec, but unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, tests fail. Sometimes, work needs
Concrete Performance | Test Method | Curing Conditions at CTL Group | Age | Test Results |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C 39 | 73°F/100% RH | at 1 day | 9,050 psi |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C 39 | 73°F/100% RH | at 3 days | 11,140 psi |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C 39 | 73°F/100% RH | at 14 days | 16,000 psi |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C 39 | 73°F/100% RH | at 28 days | 21,000 psi |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C 39 | 73°F/100% RH | at 56 days | 23,000 psi |
| Compressive Strength | ASTM C 1856 | Controlled Curing | at 28 days | 25,500 psi |
| Length Change of HHC | ASTM C 157 | 73°F/50% RH | 28 days (26 days Dry) | -0.033% |
| Chloride Penetrability | ASTM C 1202 AASHTO T277 | 73°F Limewater 190°F water 5 days; 190°F air 2 days; 73°F water until testing | 28 days 28 days | ≤100 (Negligible) ≤100 (Negligible) |
| ** Flexural Strength | ASTM C 1609 | 73°F Limewater | 28 days | L/600 = 2800 psi or better |
| ** Flexural Strength | ASTM C 1609 | 73°F Limewater | 28 days | L/150 = 1500 psi or better |
| Direct Tensile Strength | AASHTO T397 | 73°F Limewater | 28 days | 1000 psi or better |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ASTM C 469 | 73°F Limewater | 28 days | 6800 ksi |
| Abrasion Resistance, Ave Loss | ASTM C944 | 73°F Limewater | 58 days | 0.016 oz |
| Freeze Thaw Resistance RDM | ASTM A 666 | 73°F Limewater | 28 days | 600 cycles, 96% |
Notes:
*Testing results confirmed by independent laboratory CTL
Group. Results are based on laboratory mixes.
**Data per UCF Material Study 5/10/2022
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Client: Cor-Tuf UHPC CTL Project No: 059330
Date: 1/20/2020
UHPC achieves its superior performance through a dense nano-scale matrix that is far less permeable than conventional concrete. This matrix is combined with steel fiber reinforcement, which provides exceptional ductility and crack resistance.
Though exact formulations and results vary by producer, UHPC generally incorporates a blend of Portland cement, sand, supplementary cementitious materials, chemical admixtures, and fibers – resulting in a material dramatically stronger, tougher, and longer lasting than traditional concrete.
| Feature | Cor-Tuf UHPC | Conventional Concrete | Other UHPCs |
| Compressive Strength | 25,000+ psi | 4,000–6,000 psi | 18,000–22,000 psi |
| Ease of Placement | ✅ Standard Equipment | ✅ Standard Equipment | ❌ Specialized Tools |
| Bonding & Ductility | Extreme | Low | Moderate |
| Freeze-Thaw Resistance | 1000+ Cycles | 20–80 Cycles | 300 Cycles |
| Chloride Permeability | Near Zero | High | Low |
| Lifespan | 100+ Years | 25–30 Years | 50–60 Years |
