2024 UHPFRC International Symposium was held in Menton, France, with the main aim of exploring the potential of ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) to improve the durability and performance of structures.
For three days, exhibitors from the sector were on hand to present their solutions and attend plenary presentations on UHPC applications and projects, regulations and standards, as well as an environmental section focusing on low-carbon, materials savings, recycling and eco-design.
What we learn from these few days
Over the course of the three days, we had the opportunity to discuss with numerous industry players their needs for innovative fiber solutions, adapted to today's challenges without compromising on performance.
Three key questions animated the discussions:
- The ability of UHPCs to extend the lifespan of existing or new structures: UHPCs are transforming approaches to structural thickness, design and geometry. They make it possible to reduce the weight of structures compared with traditional solutions, without compromising performance, while reducing the carbon impact of construction.
- Optimizing their use: Ultra-performance fiber-reinforced concretes are not yet widely used in emblematic structures, but their use in repair work is on the rise, accounting for the majority of presentations at the symposium. Structural lightening, material savings, durability and CO2 impact are just some of the advantages of using UFPCs for structures.
- Their potential to become the standard for concrete: At present, Swiss and French standards are widely used for UHPC, with limited development of standards in other countries.