Rehabilitation and Strengthening of Concrete Structures Using Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete

TLDR

The study proposes a durable rehabilitation and strengthening concept for concrete structures. The method employs UHPFRC with steel bars to reinforce zones exposed to severe environmental influences and high mechanical loading. Field applications confirm that UHPFRC with steel bars improves durability and performance, and the technology is ready for cast‑in‑situ and prefabricated use with standard equipment. The technology represents a step toward more sustainable structures.

Abstract

AbstractAn original concept is presented for the durable rehabilitation and strengthening of concrete structures. The main idea is to use ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) complemented with steel reinforcing bars to protect and strengthen those zones of the structure that are exposed to severe environmental influences and high mechanical loading. This concept efficiently combines the protection and resistance properties of UHPFRC and significantly improves the structural performance of the rehabilitated concrete structure in terms of durability. The concept has been validated by means of field applications, demonstrating that the technology of UHPFRC is now well developed for cast in situ and prefabrication using standard equipment for concrete manufacturing. This novel technology is a step forward towards more sustainable structures.Keywords:: existing concrete structuresrehabilitationstrengtheningultra-high performance fibre reinforced concretecomposite UHPFRC-RC structuresdurabilityultimate resistance