Use of high performance concrete and its impact on structures, costs and

Abstract

The objective of this work is an analysis of the use of high performance concrete and its impact on the morphology and structure costs and the environment. The use of high performance concrete (HPC) in the construction of buildings and civil engineering works offers advantages in terms of durability, ease of implementation, reduction of deformation and shrinkage, increase the resistance of reinforced concrete structures. The economic benefits of the use of high performance concrete, compared to conventional concrete are illustrated by the reduction of the following costs: the implementation of concrete, the geometric sections of bearing elements of the built space and the maintenance of structures. The consequences of the use of high performance concrete on the urban and the nature, are measured in terms of impact on the Environment. For the same cement production, that is to say the same pollution, the built surfaces in concrete are considerably larger. Potential disadvantages of these high performance concretes, such as the reduction of ductility, fire resistance, and increase of unit costs induced by admixtures, are much lower than the benefits. The generalized use of this type of concrete in many countries has been stimulated by a politic founded on national plans. Keywords: High performance concrete, impact, morphology, costs, Environment