Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has come a long way. From the research lab to actual roads and bridges, Cor-Tuf UHPC is establishing itself as a centerpiece of modern construction. This is a success story that combines the altruistic ambition of public research with private sector grit to achieve lasting industry improvements. Cor-Tuf UHPC could still be in the early stages of commercialization if not for its partnership with Techlink, but instead, it’s already out there, building durable, quality projects.

The foundation of this partnership is a mutual goal to improve infrastructure projects. How can we build and maintain better bridges? How do we reduce long-term road repair costs? How do we ensure stronger defenses by building fortifications? These are the questions that underpin the mission of Cor-Tuf and align perfectly with Techlink’s mandate. 

Techlink is the licensing partnership intermediary for the Department of Defense (DOD) and the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It aims to unlock investment potential by connecting federal research and development with viable business opportunities. Technology transfer is enabled via licensing agreements that allow private sector implementation of key federal breakthroughs. US companies get a head start in commercializing these technologies while exposing them to the scrutiny of real-world competitive industries. 

In the case of UHPC, the Army Corps of Engineers has long understood its value. Its properties of durability, environmental resistance, and reduced need for steel reinforcement are inherently advantageous to the design, construction, and maintenance of critical infrastructure. 

Federal highway agencies wanted to expand its use. Then private firms noticed a stronger material that seemed too good to be true. But promising lab results are only one piece of the puzzle. For technology improvements to make real-world impacts, they need to be tested in competitive environments with actual project risks.

Cor-Tuf was connected with the Army Corps research arm and secured an exclusive technology license enabled by Techlink. Since then, Cor-Tuf has catapulted from seeking capital to performing major projects with ready-mix Cor-Tuf UHPC. Speed and scale were enabled by connecting the dots between the promise of research findings and Techlink’s access to worthy implementation partners. Cor-Tuf leveraged a pedigree in construction to refine and improve upon licensed materials by applying its knowledge of the industry and commercial realities of competition. 

This partnership between Techlink and Cor-Tuf was the linchpin in an investment climate typically averse to deviating from the tried-and-true in public infrastructure. Crucial implications for the construction and repair of roads, bridges, and buildings hang in the balance. Relying on old concrete from last century’s infrastructure boom is not the position public agencies or civilian commuters want to be in. 

Cor-Tuf was able to quickly mobilize UHPC technology in a manner that pushed the industry forward. It’s been about six years since Techlink provided licensing support, and the growth in market position and project execution success are testaments to just how impactful such a partnership can be.

Cor-Tuf UHPC provides a modern solution that integrates with existing construction techniques to create the perfect blend of innovation and continuity. Today, Cor-Tuf UHPC is on the radar of local transportation officials and construction firms. It is the only UHPC that can be mixed with local sand and cement in traditional ready-mix operations. It is competitive, easy to install, and applicable to a wide variety of project types. 

The results speak for themselves—reducing maintenance budgets and risks for structures around the country (and the world). Infrastructure repair hasn’t seen this kind of forward progress in decades. The Cor-Tuf initiative would not have been so effective, so quickly, without the backing of a forward-thinking technology license program.

Techlink and Cor-Tuf might just be the perfect public-private partnership. We have succeeded in promoting the greater good while bolstering American industry along the way. Thanks to Techlink, we are well on our way to building a better foundation for tomorrow, with better construction today. Your sand, your cement, our Cor-Tuf UHPC.