Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is known for its exceptional strength and durability, though its use of high binder volumes and steel fiber reinforcement has raised concerns about carbon intensity on a per-unit basis. However, UHPC enables efficient structural designs, reduces material use, minimizes life-cycle maintenance, and extends service life, offering a strong case for sustainability when viewed through life-cycle assessment (LCA). This forum will feature brief presentations from experts who will introduce essential UHPC sustainability concepts, addressing both its environmental and structural benefits to set the stage for a dynamic discussion. Industry leaders, researchers, and designers will explore UHPC’s potential as a sustainable building material by examining project-level LCA and the integration of structural design with environmental impact.
Learning Objectives:
(1) Review key strategies for enhancing sustainability in building design through the use of UHPC;
(2) Assess the sustainability potential of UHPC by examining its life-cycle benefits and environmental impact;
(3) Identify current knowledge gaps and research needs in advancing UHPC as a sustainable material;
(4) Evaluate the potential of UHPC to positively impact the longevity and sustainability of future infrastructure.
Technote Overview
Presented By: Anthony Ragosta
Affiliation: ceEntek Inc.
Description: UHPC may initially appear more carbon-intensive on a per-unit basis relative to conventional construction materials. However, this simplified analysis overlooks UHPC’s potential to enable more efficient structural designs, reduce material usage, minimize life-cycle maintenance, and extend service life compared to conventional reinforced concrete structures. These benefits are realized at the project level, not just the material level, through an integrated approach that combines structural design with life-cycle environmental impact assessment, commonly known as life-cycle assessment (LCA). In short, when a holistic approach is applied, UHPC has the potential to be both a structurally and environmentally sustainable building solution. This presentation provides an overview of the current draft of the Technote “Can Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Be a Sustainable Building Solution?” and opens the forum for feedback and discussions
Introduction and Overview to LCA
Presented By: MICHELLE COOPER
Affiliation: Michigan Technological University
Description: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive method used to evaluate the environmental impacts of concrete throughout its entire life cycle—from raw material extraction and production to construction, use, and end-of-life stages. In the context of concrete, LCA helps identify key contributors to carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion, particularly from cement production. By comparing different mix designs, materials (e.g., supplementary cementitious materials), and construction practices, LCA supports the development of more sustainable concrete solutions. It provides valuable insights for decision-making in the construction industry, enabling the optimization of durability, performance, and environmental footprint in line with sustainability goals. This presentation provides an overview and opens the forum for discussion.
Structural Impact of UHPC on our Infrastructure
Presented By: Zachary Haber
Affiliation: University of South Florida
Description: Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) offers significant structural and environmental advantages over traditional reinforced concrete, making it a promising material for sustainable infrastructure. Its superior mechanical properties—particularly high compressive and tensile strength, ductility, and durability—enable more slender and efficient structural designs, leading to substantial material savings. The dense matrix and crack-resistance of UHPC reduce permeability, increasing resistance to environmental degradation and drastically lowering maintenance and repair cycles over the structure’s lifespan. When applied strategically, UHPC can extend service life, minimize life-cycle costs, and contribute to a lower overall carbon footprint, supporting long-term sustainability goals in transportation and civil infrastructure systems.
The Holistic Approach of Sustainable UHPC Structures
Presented By: Liberato Ferrara
Affiliation: Politecnico di Milano
Description: Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) enables sustainable infrastructure through enhanced structural efficiency, durability, and resilience. While its material footprint is higher per unit volume, a holistic approach—including life-cycle assessment, reduced maintenance, and extended service life—demonstrates clear environmental and economic benefits over traditional reinforced concrete. This presentation highlights key sustainability drivers, presents case study examples, and opens the floor for discussion on the broader implementation of UHPC as a long-term, resource-efficient solution.