Title: High-Performance Concrete: Custom-Designed Concrete-A Review of the French Experience and Prospects for Future Development

Author(s): Yves Malier and Pierre Richard

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 167

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 55-80

Keywords: Concrete construction; high-performance concretes; high-strength concretes; prefabrication.

DOI: 10.14359/6281

Date: 3/1/1997

Abstract:
Following is a brief overview of the techniques employed in developing the first generation of High Performance Concrete (from 50 to 130 Mpa/l9 000 psi), then the second generation and, most recently, the generation of Reactive Powder Concrete (from 200 to 800 Mpa/120 000 psi), the authors highlight the originality of the French approach as it has evolved, within the construction industry, over the past ten years. The basic principles underlying this originality are focused on : - high performance rather than high strengh, since improvements in other mechanical, physical and chemical properties have become, for many structural applications, crucial in the choice of construction materials, - application beyond sophisticated structures exclusively to encompass more basic construction uses or even many small, pre-fabricated structural elements, - a global analysis (design, development, maintenance) and a << systems B approach to construction that serves to emphasize the economic considerations behind High Performance C o n c r e t e . The second, and most detailed, part of this paper provides specific examples of the French approach through a discussion of not only : bridges and tunnels sized for heavy loads, major building projects, industrial structural framework (nuclear plant, offshore platform, oil tanker, etc), but also : short and medium-span bridges, small-scale, prefabricated components used in construction and public works, foundation work and structural repairs, etc. The third part, based on ten years of experience acquired through rather varied applications from French industry, provides an outlook on future development prospects and suggests new domains, both within or outside the field of construction.