High Performance Concrete Bridges in Austria

High Performance Concrete (HPC) is an innovative approach to designing Portland cement concrete mixes to make them more durable and, if necessary, stronger than is possible with conventional concrete. HPC is made using the same basic materials and techniques as conventional concrete, but the proportions and curing conditions are engineered to produce concrete mixes that meet the requirements of specific bridge projects. The improved durability means that HPC bridges will require less maintenance and fewer repairs and last longer than other bridges. This paper describes experiences in the use of HPC in Austria, highlighting the special performance requirements and how they were met. These experiences will be illustrated through various HPC bridge projects, which were constructed from 1997 to 2005 in Austria. These projects are part of a national program initiated by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Innovation and Technology to improve the long-term performance of bridges across the country

Keywords:

High performance concrete , high strength concrete , fibre reinforced concrete , concrete bridges durability