High performance concrete (HPC) has been
defined as concrete that possesses high workability, high strength and
high durability. ACI (American Concrete Institute) has defined HPC as a
concrete in which certain characteristics are developed for a
particular application and environment. Under
the ACI definition durability is optional and this has led to a number
of HPC structures, which should theoretically have had very long
services lives, exhibiting durability associated distress early in their
lives. ACI also defines a high-strength concrete as concrete that has a
specified compressive strength for design of 6,000 psi (41 MPa) or
greater.
High Performance Concrete (HPC) is a
concrete made with appropriate materials combined according to a
selected mix design; properly mixed, transported, placed, consolidated
and cured so that the resulting concrete will give excellent
performance in the structure in which it is placed, in the environment
to which it is exposed and with the loads to which it will be subject
for its design life. Mix proportions for high-performance concrete (HPC)
are influenced by many factors, including specified performance
properties, locally available materials, local experience, personal
preferences, and cost. With today’s technology, there are many
products available for use in concrete to enhance its properties.
The primary application for HPC have
been structures requiring long service lives such as oil drilling
platform, long span bridges and parking structures. HPC still requires
good construction practice and good curing to deliver high performance.
