Abstract
Over the past decade, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) has been used in several pilot projects, which included designing of different bridge components. In each case, it became clear that the design efficiency and cost effectiveness of the UHPC structural member was not possible when the conventional approaches developed for normal concrete members were followed. More efficient structural design solutions were realized when alternative geometries and/or unique properties of the UHPC were taken advantage of in the design process. Structural testing of these members and/or field testing of bridges designed with UHPC structural members showed that their performance was extremely satisfactory in spite of adopting new design concepts and alternative geometries. Drawing design experience from bridge girders to bridge decks to UHPC piles to wind turbine towers, this paper summarized the important lessons learned and established ASTM test requirements that could facilitate designing of cost-effective UHPC members and connections with satisfactory performance. In this process, ultimate strength for flexure, shear and torsion, fatigue resistance, serviceability issues and long-term behavior of different UHPC members were given consideration.
