j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4

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journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jmrt

Review Article

UHPC evolution, development, and utilization in

construction: a review

M.A. Bajaber*, I.Y. Hakeem

Civil Engineering Department, Najran University, King Abdulaziz Road, P.O Box 1988, Najran, Saudi Arabia

article info abstract

Article history: An advanced development in construction industry was achieved by applying ultra-high-
Received 12 August 2020 performance concrete technology (UHPC). Intensive research efforts had been concen-
Accepted 17 December 2020 trated in construction to produced amazing levels of qualities with strength greater than
Available online 20 December 2020 150 MPa and high durability that had never been thought possible before. With this tech-
nology, it is possible to construct structures beyond the usual designs but with limited use
Keywords: in construction since it is not commercially viable to replace conventional concrete in most
Ultra-high-performance concrete applications. This is attributed to the high cost of materials, the lack of their availability,
(UHPC) limited design codes, and complicated manufacturing and curing techniques. This paper
Fundamental reviews the evolution of UHPC and the suggested ideas to replace its expensive composites
Raw materials by cementitious materials. However, concrete made with these alternative materials will
Properties not be of the same quality as the standard UHPC. Another promising choice, which seems
Application to be more practical and easier to promote UHPC technology in construction, is looming on
the horizon. It is based on the utilization of UHPC in hybrid structures by combining UHPC
with other construction materials. The cost of production will hopefully be reduced with
such composite structures that have the advantages of the combined materials. Therefore,
it is recommended to continue research into this choice which will increase the potential
of UHPC to be more accepted in many different construction applications.
© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC
BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Roman materials was reduced, with builders depending on

1. Introduction
Historically, concrete has been used in construction since
Roman times. Roman concrete consisted of aggregates such as
pieces of rocks, bricks, or ceramic tiles, with gypsum and
quicklime as a binding material, and volcanic dust called
pozzolana to resist salt water [1]. It was used in many Roman
structures, like the Colosseum, an open-air venue [2], and the
Pantheon, a former Roman temple [3]. After that, the use of
the use of stones and mortar.
However, modern concrete was introduced in the 19th
century. It was developed extensively during the 20th century,
as a major component of most construction and building op-
erations. It has become one of the most frequently used ma-
terials everywhere in construction. By the turn of this century,
an amazing advanced development in concrete was accom-
plished by applying ultra-high-performance concrete

* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: md.bajaber@gmail.com (M.A. Bajaber).
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2020.12.051
2238-7854/© 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
Fig. 1 e Breakdown structure for the brief review.
technology, known by the acronym, UHPC. This new tech-
nology allowed amazing levels of qualities that had never
been thought possible before. The major significance of this
paper is to: represent all important components and charac-
teristics of the ultra-high performance concrete; highlight the
UHPC applications in construction; and introduce the field of
designing structures either by UHPC alone or UHPC with other
construction materials that are friendly to the environment,
less costs, and more strong and durable. Fig. 1 shows the
breakdown structure of this brief review including three basic
headings: modern concrete and UHPC evolution; the supple-
mentary materials used to enhance UHPC in construction; and
the general applications and hybrid utilization of UHPC in
construction.
Fig. 2 e The increase in compressive strength of concrete
over 100 years (Spasojevic, [7]).
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2. Modern concrete and UHPC evolution
2.1. Traditional production
Modern concrete began with sand and different sizes of
gravel, which were mixed in the presence of water with the
great binding material, Portland cement, which binds all ag-
gregates together into stone-like material [4]. Portland cement
was invented by Joseph Aspdin in 1824; it is made by heating
and grinding the minerals of limestone and clay with a small
addition of gypsum. Later, it was advanced by his son, William
Aspdin in the 1840s [5]. The plain concrete made of Portland
cement and aggregates is usually considered as the first gen-
eration of concrete [4].
Fig. 3 e The relationship of compressive strength with
water:binder (w/b) ratio (Yang et al., [9]).
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Fig. 4 e Traditional concrete versus UHPC (Mishra and Singh, [13]).
However, this concrete was associated with a lack of ten-
sile strength and ductility, leading to failure in beam and slab
structures. Accordingly, this led to the second generation of
concrete, in which reinforcement with steel bars was thought
to be a solution to these problems. Joseph Monier and Francois
Coignet were the first pioneers of concrete reinforcement
during the second half of the 19th century. They granted many
patents for reinforcing different types of structures. Since
then, the combination of steel bars and concrete was the
dominant construction material throughout the 19th and 20th
centuries. Fig. 2 shows the increase in the compressive
strength of concrete during the 20th century. As shown in the
Fig. 5 e Basic components of UHPC Material.
figure, the compressive strength was between 20 and 40 MPa
during the first half of the century [6].
After the middle of the 20th century, a challenge arose to
increase the strength to carry greater loads for more advanced
constructions. During those decades, the compressive
strength exceeded 40 MPa, as shown in Fig. 2 [4]. This was
achieved through careful selection of aggregates since weak
ones may not be strong enough to carry heavy loads, and
through decreasing the ratio of water to binder material. This
ratio is inversely proportional to the compressive strength, as
shown by Fig. 3. The reduction of water content was possible
through the invention of water-reducing admixtures [8] which
enable the engineers to increase the strength without
affecting workability.
2.2. New generation of modern concrete
2.2.1. Principles and definition
In spite of the previous improvements, still there was a need
for: (a) concrete with higher strength; (b) a solution to stop the
penetration of Chloride ions and other harmful materials into
the concrete which would lead to iron rebar corrosion and
poor concrete durability; and (c) alternative materials that
could substitute Portland cement to reduce the CO2 emissions
discharged into the atmosphere during cement production.
Accordingly, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete or UHPC
was developed as a new concrete technology that could meet
the desired criteria. Its development is based on the under-
standing that lowering the water to cement ratio is not
enough alone to achieve the required properties. In addition,
an optimized packing is required of fine and ultrafine parti-
cles; the size distribution, as well as the shape and texture
quality of these particles must all be carefully controlled
[10,11].
Fig. 4 illustrates the difference of the packing system be-
tween UHPC and conventional concrete. As shown in the
figure, the density of the UHPC matrix is more enhanced. This
requires coarse aggregates to be eliminated and ultrafine
particles to be distributed at the microstructure level to fill the
 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4 1061

Table 1 e Optimum mix proportions for 1 m3 of UHPC Table 2 e Physical and chemical/mineralogical properties
mixturea. of the dune sand.
Mix component Weight (Kg) Typical Range (Kg)b Property Range (%)
Premix Materials Fineness modulus 0.9e3.0
Fine dune sand 1005 490e1390 Coefficient of uniformity 2.0e4.0
Portland cement 900 610e1080 Specific gravity 2.6e2.7
Silica Fume 220 50e334 Water absorption 0.4e0.5
Water 163 126e261 SiO2 (quartz) 80e98
Superplasticiser 40 9e71 CaSO4 2H2O (gypsum) 4e14
Steel Fibres 157 40e250 CaCO3 (calcite) 3e12
Total Weight 2485
a
Ahmad, Hakeeem, and Maslehuddin [22].
b
Tayeh et al. [23]. along with very fine quartz sand (0.15e0.60 mm), quartz
powder (smaller than 10 um) and fibres without coarse
aggregate. Nematollahi et al. [19] defines UHPC as a cement
voids between larger particles [12]. Improvement in the UHPC based composite material which consists of fine materials
packing system will surely increase strength and enhance with optimized grading curves, very high strength discrete
durability and the overall performance of UHPC concrete. micro steel fibers and a very low water cement ratio less than
In fact, UHPC is a new form of concrete with a new type of 0.25. Other researchers define the UHPC based on its superior
composite construction material. Its high compressive mechanical and durability properties. For example, Aroraa
strength and ductility are achieved by an optimized packing of et al. [20] defines UHPC as a multi-scale microstructure-
fine and ultrafine particles, as well as the inclusion of steel designed material tailored for very-high compressive
fibres. This optimization, in particular, will evenly distribute strength, high flexural and tensile strength, and high ductility.
all particles at the micro scale to pack the spaces, surrounded Li, J. et al. [21] defines the term as an innovative composite
by larger particles. Accordingly, a dense matrix is achieved material that can serve as a potential candidate for concrete
with low permeability, to provide a concrete with superior structures exposing to aggressive environments.
properties [10,14e16]. Based on the above definitions, we could come up with a
Different definitions have been given to UHPC. Some re- definition which combines UHPC major component and su-
searchers define the term based on its major components. For perior properties along with the basic technologies behind the
example, Farzad et al. [17] defines UHPC as a cement-based UHPC production. Thus, UHPC is a new generation of cement-
material formed with an enhanced gradation of granular based construction material tailored for very high compres-
components, a water-to-cementitious materials ratio less sive strength, high ductility, and sustainability based on:
than 0.2, and a significant portion of internal fibers. Mishra & micro-scale optimization of fine and ultrafine aggregates (sil-
Singh [13] define UHPC as a special type of concrete that ica fume and sand), lower content of water to cement ratio
consist of highly fine-grained reactive admixtures (i.e. silica with added superplasticizer, and reinforcement with high-
fume and fine quartz), fibers and superplasticizers while strength steel fibers.
having more binder content and low water-to-binder ratio.
Azmee & Shafiq [18] define the term as a fiber reinforced, 2.2.2. UHPC components
superplasticized, silica fume-cement mixture with a very low High-strength, ductile, and sustainable UHPC concrete is
water to cement ratio (W/C), characterized by the presence of made up of constituent materials like fine-grained sand,
a very fine quartz sand that ranges from 0.15 to 0.60 mm in Portland cement, silica fume, water, superplasticizer, and
diameter, instead of the ordinary aggregate. Ahmad et al. steel fibres, as shown in Fig. 5 [19,22].
(2016) define UHPC as a mixture produced by using high con- Details of these constituent materials are given in the
tents of cement, silica fume (0.1e1 um) and superplasticizer following subsections. Typical mix proportions of these ma-
terials for one cubic meter of UHPC are presented in Table 1
and presented graphically in Fig. 6.

2.2.2.1. Fine aggregate. Fine aggregate is an essential con-

stituent material for UHPC strength and workability. It

Table 3 e Particle size distribution of dune sand.

ASTM sieve no. Size (mm) Percentage passing (%)
4 4.75 100
8 2.36 100
16 1.18 100
30 0.6 75
50 0.3 10
100 0.15 5
Fig. 6 e Optimum proportions for 1 m3 of UHPC mixture.
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Fig. 7 e Relationship between compressive strength and
silica fume content (Shihada & Arafa [30]).
maintains the stability of the concrete due to its ability to
carry greater loads. It can, also, resist weathering due to its
inertness. Its granular size is the largest size in the UHPC
matrix, ranging from 150 mm to 600 mm [16]. It can be silica
sand, quartz sand, or natural sand [13].
Silica sand is expensive for UHPC. Quartz sand, on the
other hand, is available but it takes time to be crushed from
coarse aggregates or natural rocks [24]. Natural sand, in
contrast, can be used easily and effectively as a fine aggregate
for UHPC. The Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, for instance,
has fine dune sand with specific properties shown in Table 2
and particle size distribution shown in Table 3 [22].
2.2.2.2. Portland cement. Ordinary Portland cement is the
primary binding material which, when mixed with water,
hydrates and becomes a solid that binds all aggregates of the
UHPC concrete. It is produced mainly from two basic raw
materials; limestone and clay. After crushing and grinding,
these materials are heated in a kiln to produce cement clinker,
which is ground further, with a small amount of gypsum into
fine powder [4]. It is about double (600e1000 kg/m3) the con-
tent that is used in ordinary concrete [25] with an average
diameter of 15 mm. Therefore, it is considered the second
largest particle size in the UHPC matrix [16]. The part of the
cement that is not hydrated, due to the small proportion of
water, will be used with other aggregates for packing
optimization.
2.2.2.3. Silica fume. Silica fume, or micro silica, is a waste by-
product material coming from the furnace smoke of the pro-
duction of silicon metal and ferrosilicon alloys [4]. The
rounded particles of silica fume have a diameter of 0.15 mm on
average, and most of the particles are less than 1 mm [26].
Thus, they are the smallest particles in the UHPC matrix, 100
times smaller than cement particles. This is why it is
considered an excellent filler to fill the voids between larger
particles in the UHPC matrix. Using this ultrafine material
Table 4 e Mechanical properties of steel fibres.
Length (mm) Diameter (mm) Volume (%) Strength (MPa)
10e20 0.10e0.25 2 >2000
leads to a dense matrix which enhances the mechanical and
durability properties of the concrete [4,16,27].
Silica fume can be used in UHPC mixtures within a range of
150e250 kg/m3 (10e30% of the cement mass) [28,29]. Fig. 7
shows the relationship between compressive strength and
silica fume content in UHPC concrete. As shown in the figure,
concrete of a strength up to 81 MPa can be obtained without
silica fume. However, by increasing the content of silica fume,
the compressive strength is rapidly increased. One of the main
disadvantages of this material is that it requires more water
because of its extremely fine particles, but with super-
plasticizers, the same water content can be maintained [26].
2.2.2.4. Water. Water is an essential material for making
UHPC. Potable water is suitable, as is usually used for ordinary
concrete. The quantity of water must be enough to complete
the hydration process and to maintain workability [6]. The
minimum water to cement (w/c) ratio for ordinary concrete is
about 0.4e0.5, including water for workability [6,24]. The
amount of water is inversely proportional to the compressive
strength, i.e., if water increases, the strength decreases [9].
Excess water, not used in hydration, would develop voids in
the concrete mixture, which would increase permeability and
reduce the strength of the concrete.
In UHPC technology, using a high-range water-reducing
admixture helps to maintain workability without the need for
excess water [31]. Accordingly, the w/c ratio will be reduced to
an optimum level within a range of 0.14e0.22 [13,24]. This
leads to increased compressive strength and enhances all
other properties of the concrete.
2.2.2.5. High-range water reducer. Since the workability of the
concrete mix is reduced when it is mixed with low water
content, a water reducer or superplasticizer, like poly-
carboxylate, is required to be added to the UHPC concrete
during the mixing process to improve its workability [31]. With
respect to the impact of the chemical content, it should be
within the range of 0.5e2.0%, as shown by Courtial et al. [32].
However, the optimum content, as revealed by many re-
searchers, is 1.5e2.4 [13].
2.2.2.6. Steel fibres. Concrete without reinforcement is liable
to fracture, since it is brittle in nature and cracks cannot be
stopped. Therefore, steel fibres are used to reinforce the UHPC
matrix to provide a better resistance towards crack generation
and a better tensile strength and resistance to fracture [19].
Steel fibres are characterized by their shape, length, diameter,
volume, orientation, and strength. The mechanical properties
of steel fibres are shown in Table 4 [19,23].
Deformed fibres, such as hooked-end fibres are much bet-
ter than straight ones. Also, long fibres are better than short
ones. With respect to the fibres’ volume, an increase will
improve ductility up to a certain limit, beyond which addi-
tional content will not be beneficial [33]. A content of 1e2
percent of the expensive fibres has been proved to be enough
to achieve the required properties at a wise economy. Also,
fibres with a good orientation (i.e., along the direction of the
tensile load) lead to a good homogeneous distribution of fi-
bres, which will improve the mechanical properties of the
concrete [34,35].
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Table 5 e Mechanical Property Comparison between
normal and UHPC concretes.
Normal UHPC Concrete
Concrete
Compressive 20e40 MPa 120e200 MPa
Strength
Split Tensile Strength <5 MPa Up to 20 MPa [13,22,51]
Flexural Strength <6 MPa Up to 30 MPa [13,22,50]
Durability Weak Extremely high durable
Ductility Weak Extremely high ductility
2.2.3. UHPC basic characteristics
2.2.3.1. Durability properties. One of the major goals of UHPC
concrete is to be durable, like rock, that can exist for a long
time without significant deterioration in quality. Generally,
concrete structures can be set in a place to be stick to the
direct environments and might be exposed to severe condi-
tions that cannot be avoided such as: water penetration,
chemical attacks, steel corrosion, alkaliesilica reaction,
freeze-thaw cycles, and carbonation [21]. Long exposure to
such severe conditions may deteriorate concrete structures
leading to increase the costs of structure maintenance [36].
The key point of these durability issues is the permeability of
the concrete matrix. The concrete will be more durable if it is
less permeable. The types of constituent materials as well as
the new technologies used for UHPC concrete will be able to
develop concrete with superior durability that can stands se-
vere environment for a long service life.
The main factors that control permeability are the density
microstructure and the porosity of the concrete matrix [37,38].
The exclusion of coarse aggregates, inclusion of fine and ul-
trafine particles such as dune sand and silica fume, and the
lowering of water to binder ratio along with diluted super-
plasticizer will work together to homogenate the mixture,
substantially decreasing its fine pores [39,40].
The water absorption capacity is the permeability coeffi-
cient of UHPC concrete and can be considered an indication of
Fig. 8 e Tensile behavior of UHPC [58].
1063
its high durability. A decrease in the water absorption capacity
of the concrete means a drop of the concrete matrix pores.
These pores will be reduced when the water to binder ratio is
lowered [21]. Since the water to binder ratio of the UHPC
concrete is much lower than that of the conventional con-
crete, the water absorption coefficient of the UHPC, as shown
by the investigation of Dobias et al. [41], is five times lower
than that of the conventional concrete. The matrix of the
UHPC concrete will be impermeable when the pores are less
than one-tenth of those in normal concrete [42].
Another indication of good durability is the concrete’s
ability to resist chemical attacks such as chloride ions. In case
the concrete matrix is permeable, chloride ions can penetrate
through the matrix, damage the passivation of the steel, and
facilitate the beginning of the corrosion process. Steel are
protected from corrosion by a passive alkaline layer which will
be damaged by the aggressive action of the chloride ions.
However, UHPC concrete has shown a good resistance for the
steel corrosion due to the negligible penetration of the chlo-
ride ions because of the densified and impermeable matrix of
the UHPC concrete [43e45].
Different environmental exposures, such as freeze-thaw
and weather actions have been studied by many re-
searchers. Freeze-thaw actions happened when the particles
of water that entered in the concrete matrix freeze and
expand beyond the concrete pores [21]. Many researchers
have observed almost no deterioration after several hundreds
of freeze-thaw cycles up to 800 cycles with negligible loss of
mass [46]. Also, wet-dry and heat-cool cycles were studied by
Hakeem, Azad, and Ahmad [33]. They showed that UHPC
maintains its strength with possible applications in aggressive
exposure conditions. The concrete matrix, in fact, will be du-
rable enough to last for a long time without being coated or
painted.
2.2.3.2. Mechanical properties. The experimental investiga-
tion conducted by [47] showed the excellent mechanical
properties of UHPC as a construction material. Compressive
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mechanical properties of UHPC are much superior to those of

normal concrete. Table 5 shows a comparison between
normal and UHPC concretes in some of their important me-
chanical properties.
Also, the flexural strength of UHPC is shown as a value up
to 30 MPa which is achieved either in high temperature curing
regime or under prolonged 28 days normal regime. This value
has already been mentioned in many references. It was
mentioned over 30 MPa [19], up to 40 Mpa [13], or within the
range of 30e50 MPa [22,50]. Because of the result come up with
the investigation of reference [22] with an average 28-day
flexural strength of 31 MPa, and the rule of thumb of refer-
ence [13] which states that flexural strength of UHPC is more
Fig. 9 e Idealized simplified response of strain-hardening
than five times of the normal concrete, the flexural strength of
FRC composites in tension [35].
UHPC is shown in our table as a value up to 30 MPa.
The split tensile strength of UHPC is shown in the table as a
value up to 20 MPa. This value has already been mentioned in
many references. For example, ref. [13] states that “UHPC
strength is the main mechanical property of the UHPC con-
matrix with fibers addition, generally have a tensile strength
crete, which is essential to ensure that the structure can carry
in the range of 15e20 MPa”. Also, ref. [22] states that “mixtures
the assigned loads. It is also considered an indication of other
are reported to possess splitting-tensile strength in the ranges
mechanical properties, as well as high durability. In fact, high
of 8e15 MPa”. The tensile resistance of UHPC can be consid-
concrete strength is a result of two main principles: packing of
ered as one-tenth of its compressive strength i.e. 15 MPa
the material particles and water to binder ratio [13]. Fig. 3
tensile strength if the compressive strength is 150 MPa [51].
shows the impact of the water to binder ratio on the
UHPC tensile properties are distinct from those of con-
compressive strength of UHPC [9]. Compressive strength can
ventional concrete due to the increased tensile cracking ca-
also be enhanced by the content of silica fume, as shown in
pacity of the cementitious composite matrix and the crack-
Fig. 7 [30]. The method of curing also has a significant effect on
bridging behavior of the fiber reinforcement. In contrast to
compressive strength, with steam curing being better than
fiber-reinforced conventional concretes, UHPC can exhibit
normal curing.
significant, sustained post-cracking tensile capacity prior to
Steel fibres do not have a significant effect on compressive
crack localization, fiber pullout, and loss of tensile capacity
strength, but they could, on the other hand, enhance the
[52].
tensile strength of the UHPC concrete. With steel fibres, the
With the growing use of UHPC in modern construction,
tensile strength of the UHPC is usually within the range of
determining its tensile and compressive properties is essen-
15e20 MPa, a value that is almost double the tensile strength
tial in the study of its structural behavior, numerical model-
value of UHPC without steel fibres [13]. This value is almost
ling and fracture mechanics [53].
one to two tenths of the compressive strength of UHPC con-
Doo et al. [Strain 34] stated that the characteristics of fibers
crete [48].
such as fiber content, shape, aspect ratio, orientation, and
For the value of the compressive strength, some re-
distribution are considerably affect the tensile performance of
searchers stated that compressive strength is usually greater
fiber-reinforced ultra-high performance concrete
than 120 MPa [30,49,50], while some others stated that it starts
[14,35,54e57]. Increasing the amount of fiber is the most
from 150 MPa [13,19,22,42]. In either case, it is incomparably
convincing method to improve the tensile performance
greater than the strength of normal concrete. As revealed by
including tensile strength and fracture energy capacity. This
these researchers, the compressive strength, and all

Table 6 e Properties of some supplementary cementitious materials.

Properties FA GGBS SF
Fresh Concrete Properties Workability Increased Increased Decreaseda
Heat of Hydration Reduced No effectb
Set time Increased Increased No effect
Hardened Concrete Properties Strength Increasedc Increased Increased
Permeability and Absorption Reduced Reduced The most Reduced
Chloride and Sulphate Resistance Good resistance Good resistance Good resistance
Physical Dimension Most of particles
45 mm
45 mm
1 mm
Average 15e20 mm 0.1 mmd
a
Need to use superplasticizer.
b
However, when superplasticizer is used with SF, it can be increased.
c
With a low rate of strength gain.
d
Which is about 1/100 of the cement particle diameter (10 mm).
 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
Fig. 10 e Seonyu footbridge, Korea.
means that the demanded tensile strength can be achieved by
using adequate amount of fiber.
Habel et al. [58] show a schematic of the three distinct
tensile behaviors that UHPC can exhibit: I) linear-elastic
behavior before cracking; II) post cracking strain hardening
behavior and dispersed discrete cracking; and III) softening
behavior during strain localization across specific cracks
(Fig. 8).
The addition of steel fibers to UHPC matrices successfully
increased the fracture toughness, tensile strength, ductility
and energy absorption capacity of UHPCs, although their
performance were various according to the types of fiber [59].
Nguyen et al. [59] investigated the direct tensile stress
versus strain response of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete
(UHPC) with various sizes and geometries. The UHPFRC used
in their research contained 1% macro twisted and 1% micro
smooth steel fibers by volume. The effects of gauge length,
section area, volume and thickness of the specimens on the
measured tensile response of the UHPC were experimentally
discovered. They found out that the different sizes and ge-
ometries of specimens did not generate significant influence
on the post cracking strength of UHPC whereas they produced
clear effects on the strain capacity, energy absorption capacity
and multiple cracking behavior of UHPC. The strain capacity,
energy absorption capacity and the number of multiple micro
cracks within unit length obviously decreased as the gauge
length, section area and volume of UHPC specimens
increased. In contrast, as the thickness of the specimen
increased, different tendency was observed.
Hassan et al. [53] concluded that the steel fiber content in
UHPC had a significant effect on improving the tensile
Fig. 11 e Some urban furniture and decorative arts made from UHPC.
1065
strength by almost double compared to those of UHPC without
fibers. This is a significant benefit for concrete structures
where punching shear failure is an important consideration
such as with bridge deck designs. Moreover, ductility in both
tension and compression were improved substantially. In
contrast, their influence on the compressive strength and
modulus of elasticity was relatively small. They reported that
the Maximum tensile strain attained at peak strength was in
range of 1.5e3% compared to the values of 0.15e0.25% for the
UHPC (without fibers).
Kay et al. [35] conducted a research work on the optimi-
zation of strength and ductility of ultra-high performance
concretes (UHPC) under direct tensile loading. In their
research they focused on the development of strain-
hardening UHP-FRC characterized by: (1) a relatively high
tensile strength (exceeding 13 MPa, (2) a high ductility,
expressed by the strain at peak stress εpc in tension exceeding
0.3%, and (3) a relatively low fiber content (not exceeding 2.5%
by volume). Their results show that, with appropriate high
strength steel fibers, and 1% fiber volume fraction it is suffi-
cient to trigger strain hardening behavior accompanied by
multiple cracking, this characteristic essential to achieve high
ductility. Also, by improving both the matrix and fiber pa-
rameters, an UHP-FRC with only 1.5% deformed steel fibers by
volume resulted in an average tensile strength of 13 MPa and a
maximum post-cracking strain of 0.6%.
The researchers also illustrated a simplified response of
strain-hardening FRC comprising Part I (Elastic behavior up to
90e95% of cracking strength, followed by development of
micro cracks and activation of fibers; Part II (Strain hardening
behavior with multiple cracking, small crack width, and in-
elastic strain); and Part III (Softening behavior) (Fig. 9).
They concluded that by improving the fiber bond behavior
through: (1) increasing matrix density and strength (up to
200 MPa), (2) increasing fiber strength (up to 3100 MPa), and (3)
improving the mechanical bond of the fiber through fiber
deformation (end hook or twisted), an UHP-FRC can be
designed to achieve a relatively high tensile strength (up to
15 MPa) and ductility (εpc ¼ 0.6%) with a low fiber volume
fraction (about 2%).
2.2.3.3. Workability. In general, water is necessary for the
workability of concrete. For UHPC concrete, however, the
strength has to be increased by reducing water, which will
1066 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
Fig. 12 e Hybrid beams with bottom UHPC layer [88].
affect workability as a result. In spite of this, UHPC can still be
made workable by removing coarse aggregates from the
mixture, using ultrafine powders, and adding an optimum
amount of superplasticizer to the fresh concrete [31]. Adding
this kind of high-range water reducer agent will allow an
adequate flow which will enable the mixture to be cast, even
in very slender shapes.
2.2.3.4. Aesthetic and engineering. With UHPC technology, it is
possible to construct beyond usual designs. The densified ul-
trafine particles and strong fibres which are distributed in a
homogeneous and flowable mixture will enable the con-
struction of irregular shapes of aesthetic appearance and
surfaces of extraordinary finish. It is also possible to set up
innovative engineering designs, such as structures with a
longer span or structures lighter than ordinary concrete [42].
2.2.3.5. Eco-friendly product. By using UHPC technology, the
concrete will be friendly to the environment. Replacing
cement by waste materials such as silica fume, will reduce
CO2 emissions into the atmosphere from cement production.
This gas emission is considered to be a major factor in global
warming [13,42].
2.2.4. UHPC standards
There are no code or standard exist on UHPC materials that
provides a clear definition nor guidance on categorizing UHPC,
so that there is a need to develop new standards that provide
meaningful test results for a full range of UHPC material
properties. These standards are necessary in order to catego-
rize different UHPC’s and to provide reliable and reproducible
material properties for structural engineers to use in the
design of UHPC structures.
Only technical guides and professional recommendations
were previously available in some countries like France,
Japan, the United States and Switzerland. These guides did not
have an “official” status, which made referencing and using
them in projects difficult. Their standardization now will
allow clear and codified specifications to be established.
The following UHPC codes and standards were collected
from all the available references in different places all over the
world presented here.
1. CSA, December, 2015, the Canadian Standards Association
(CSA) formed a new “Working Group on UHPC” under
A23.1, Chapter 8, with the mandate to develop a new annex
on UHPC materials (CSA A23.1, 2014). The new annex cover
everything on UHPC materials [60].
2. NF P18-470, July 2016 French standard, related to UHPC
specification, performance, production and conformity. It
is a self-supporting document with distinct scope, however
with the same outline as NF EN 206/CN, the French stan-
dard for ordinary structural concrete consistent to the Eu-
ropean standard. Appendices detail test protocol
adaptations as well as standardized methods associated to
the determination of relevant UHPC characteristics. It
covers both structural and non-structural UHPC [61].
3. NF P18-710, April 2016, French standard Stands as a na-
tional complement to Eurocode 2 for the design of UHPFRC
structures (both buildings and bridges). It covers UHPFRC
with metallic fibers and characteristic compressive
strength higher than 150 MPa. It is provides design rules
for structures in UHPFRC”, according to NF P18-470 (2016)
[62].
4. NF P18-451, Dec. 2018, French standard, Concrete - Execu-
tion of concrete structures - Specific rules for UHPRFC.
Deals with the execution of UHPFRC structures, which
provides complements, precisions or amendments to the
execution standard NF EN 13670/CN. It is being prepared
and sets out the provisions to be implemented for
executing structures in UHPFRC”, according to NF P18-470
(2016). The standard NF P18-451 will also increase the
knowledge but also encourage contractors to use UHPFRC
when it exists a standard for executing of structures in
UHPFRC. The NF P18-451 Standard gives general in-
dications based on the gained industrial experience in this
domain, detailed precasters’ skills beyond the standard are
clearly associated to the success of such UHPFRC
applications, as a result of the material sensitivity to its
placing process and early-age treatment and restraints
[63].
5. ACI committee 239 (ACI 239C) 2018, Ultra-High-
Performance Concrete: An Emerging Technology Report
(ETR) on the Structural Design of UHPC. ACI Committee 239
has made advances in the testing, design, and specification
for the use of UHPC. This new sub-committee, a diverse
group of international industry experts, has commenced
the task of writing a Terms of Reference (TOR) for the new
ETR on the Structural Design of UHPC. However, their ef-
forts have been focused on structural applications for
bridges (led by the Federal Highway Administration) and
primarily UHPC manufactured with metallic fibers and
compressive strength higher than 150 MPa. A portion of the
activities of this committee, in collaboration with the
American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) was to
provide a new standard practice for fabrication and testing
specimens of UHPC (ASTM C1856/C1856M, 2017) reinforced
with metallic and non-metallic fibers. Nevertheless, again
this new standard is only applicable to UHPC with a spec-
ified compressive strength of at least 120 MPa, with nom-
inal maximum size aggregate of less than 5 mm and a
spread flow between 20 and 25 cm, as measured by the
 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
Fig. 13 e UHPC bars in their moulds [90].
modified flow table test method described in ASTM C1437
and ASTM C230/C230M [64].
6. ASTM C1856/C1856M e 2017, Standard Practice for Fabri-
cating and Testing Specimens of Ultra-High Performance
Concrete. This practice includes procedures for measuring
properties of fresh UHPC and procedures for making and
testing specimens of hardened UHPC. The practice refers to
existing practices and test methods and includes modifi-
cations to these referenced standards for application to
UHPC [65].
3. Alternative materials for UHPC
To promote UHPC technology in construction, alternative
materials are explored to replace Portland cement and other
expensive materials, such as steel fibres. Therefore, this part
of the paper presents some of these alternative materials
which are naturally available or obtained from the waste
materials of other industries.
3.1. Supplementary cementitious materials
Supplementary cementitious materials, SCM, are alternative
substances which can bind aggregates in the same way as
ordinary Portland cement [66]. These materials are, in fact, by-
products of other industries, in which they are usually treated
as waste materials and sent to landfills.
The issue was recognized after voices called for protection
of the environment from these waste landfills. The possibility
of recycling waste in construction to replace cement material
opened the way to better options. First, such recycling would
enhance our environment by reducing landfills of these in-
dustrial wastes, as well as reducing the impact of global
warming due to the energy consumption and gas emissions
involved in cement production [67]. Second, it would enhance
1067
UHPC concrete by improving the workability and pumpability
of fresh concrete. It would also improve the matrix density of
the solid concrete, which would strengthen the mechanical
properties of concrete, as well as the ability to resist chloride
ions and weathering activities [26]. Finally, it would reduce the
cost of concrete production and manpower costs due to the
elimination of some labour-intensive processes. It would cut,
also, transportation and maintenance costs [68].
Table 6 describes the most important properties of some
supplementary cementitious materials, including silica fume
(SF), fly ash (FA), and Ground Granular blast-furnace slag
(GGBS).
Silica fume (SF), as mentioned before, is the finest material
among all other cementitious materials. Therefore, it is the
most preferred material to replace the cement of UHPC con-
crete, especially when high strength and a high degree of
impermeability are required. However, it is an expensive
material, and this is why Ahmad, Hakeem, and Maslehuddin
[69] utilized other waste materials existing locally with low
cost to replace such silica fume.
Fly ash (FA) is a fine powder by-product material produced
from the smoke coming from burning coal in the combustion
Fig. 14 e Hybrid specimens reinforced with two UHPC bars
[90].
1068 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4

Fig. 15 e Cross-sections of hybrid hollow core specimens [88,89].

process of electrical power stations. The mineral impurities can be retarded if the surface of the fresh UHPC mixture is
are fused when they pass through the combustion chamber. covered properly [74].
With the exhaust gases, they are carried out and collected by a
proper dust collection system into spherical particles, most of 3.2. Alternative fibre materials
which are less than 45 mm, with an average of 15e20 mm [6].
Fly ash, in general, is a pozzolan material which acts like Fibres which can be spread uniformly and randomly are
Portland cement when it is mixed with water. On one hand, it usually used to reinforce concrete. Asbestos fibres were used
would improve the concrete’s workability, but on the other before. But due to the health risks associated with these fibres,
hand, it would reduce the early strength of the concrete. other materials were used, such as steel fibres, glass fibres,
However, with the extended process of hydration, it would synthetic fibres, such as polypropylene, and natural fibres,
gain much more strength than it would have with Portland such as palm tree fibres. They are used mainly to release
cement alone. stresses and to block the extension of cracks [79]. As a result,
Ground granular blast-furnace slag (GGBS) is a by-product
from the iron production process when iron ore is coked in
the blast furnace. After it is cooled, it is further crushed to
form fine particles, with a length less than 45 mm. This ma-
terial, when it is mixed in the presence of water, will hydrate
and set in the same way as Portland cement [26]. GGBS has a
considerable effect on the setting time of the UHPC concrete.
The setting time can be retarded If UHPC mixture is mixed
with the ground granular blast furnace slag [26].

3.1.1. Sitting time

Setting time of UHPC can be defined as the time when the
mixture attains a stiffness of 1000 MPa and autogenous
shrinkage initiates [70]. It usually takes from 6 to 12 h based on
the Mix design [71e73]. The initial setting time is defined as
the penetration resistance of 3.45 MPa at 15 h after casting
while the final setting time is defined as a penetration resis-
tance of 27.60 MPa at about 18e20 h [74,75]. However, the
setting time can be retarded up to 30e40 h by high super- Fig. 16 e Hybrid hollow core specimens before casting
plasticizer dosage [31,76e78]. Furthermore, the setting time ordinary concrete [88,89].
 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
Fig. 17 e The final hybrid hollow core specimens [88,89].
the concrete’s mechanical properties are improved, including
tensile strength, flexural strength, and ductility performance,
which will save the structure from damage and breakage [80].
However, steel is the most common type of fibre that is used
in construction to support structures in general [81]. The rea-
sons behind this are the superior mechanical properties of
these fibres, in addition to other reasons, such as economic
feasibility, availability of manufacturing facilities, and good
resistance to different environmental conditions [82]. Other
fibres are not usually applied in construction materials, such as
glass fibres which are more often preferred to support struc-
tures for decorative applications and finishing surfaces [83].
The main drawback of steel fibres is the cost of this material,
since 1% of fibres will cost more than all the remaining mate-
rials combined [13]. That is why, economically, the percentage
of fibres should be the minimum as possible (i.e., 1%e2%).
4. UHPC applications and hybrid innovations
4.1. General UHPC applications in construction
UHPC has been a major development in concrete technology
in the first twenty years of the 21st century. Because of its
Fig. 18 e Orthotropic steel deck bridge.
1069
exceptional properties, UHPC offers new possibilities of
reduced-weight structures and new designs of structures for
better aesthetics, engineering, and economy [84]. Favorite
constructions of UHPC can be seen all over the globe,
including structural and architectural works (Fig. 10) as well as
urban furniture and decorative arts (Fig. 11).
4.2. Utilization of UHPC in hybrid structures
UHPC opens the door to new ideas and exciting opportunities
to redesign construction. Some research works on the utili-
zation of UHPC in suggested hybrid structures are summar-
ised below.
Utilizing UHPC with Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer (GFRP)
was a suggested hybrid idea that motivated many researchers
at the state of the art. Elmahdy et al. [85] investigated exper-
imentally an innovative design utilizing UHPC in hybrid
beams. The section of the beam was a GFRP hollow box. At the
top, a thin cover of UHPC was used to carry compressive
stresses.
At the bottom, steel or carbon fibre reinforced polymer
(SFRP/CFRP) sheets were used to carry tensile stresses. These
different materials were connected to each other by shear
stud connectors and epoxy glue to provide sufficient bond
between them. The investigation revealed that the ability of
the hybrid beam was increased significantly by including high
performance materials such as UHPC.
Another hybrid beam with the same GFRP hollow box
section design was investigated under static flexural loading
by Chen & El-Hacha [86]. The study proved that UHPC was
essential to achieve higher strength with less weight and
smaller structural elements. Also, the hybrid UHPC-GFRP
hollow box section with a base of SFRP or CFRP sheets was
investigated by Iskander et al. [87] to analyse the causes of
failure under shear forces. The study revealed that failure was
partly due to the design of the fibre orientation at the corner
regions of such a hybrid beam.
Another hybrid idea, combining UHPC with ordinary con-
crete as a construction or repair material, was investigated by
many researchers. As a construction material, Hakeem [88]
and Azad & Hakeem [89e91] studied the structural behaviour
of three different concepts for one-way simply supported
precast floor units made of ordinary concrete cast with UHPC
in different forms of construction, such as: (i) units with a
layer of UHPC at the bottom tension face as shown in Fig. 12.
The figure shows the view of beam specimens with UHPC
bottom layer and ordinary concrete on top; (ii) units reinforced
with precast UHPC deformed bars as shown in Figs. 13 and 14.
]The concept of using UHPC bars was introduced by Azad and
Hakeem [90,91]. Fig. 13 shows the UHPC bars placed in the
hybrid structural mould before casting ordinary concrete. The
UHPC bars were heat-cured at a temperature of 900 C for a
period of 48 h to accelerate curing and strength development.
Fig. 14 shows the final hybrid specimen reinforced with two
50  50 mm UHPC bars; and (iii) hybrid hollow core units with
top and bottom faces cast with UHPC layers as shown in Figs.
15e17.
Fig. 15 shows different cross sections of hybrid hollow core
specimens of a beam cast with UHPC on top and bottom and
sandwiched in between with ordinary concrete surrounding
1070 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
the holes. Figs. 16 and 17 shows hybrid hollow core specimens
before and after casting ordinary concrete. Types (i) and (iii) do
not require any steel reinforcement. Type (ii) may not require
any steel reinforcement but for smaller widths.
The results of these studies confirmed that each of the
three alternative concepts is structurally promising and can
be utilized in designing simply supported precast units for
residential and commercial buildings without the use of steel
reinforcement. Further research is needed to uphold this
viewpoint. In corrosive environment, this may prove to have
significant advantage worthy of consideration.
For using UHPC as a repair material, Tayeh et al. [92]
investigated the use of UHPC as a repair material for old
normal concrete (NC). The interfacial bond and the perme-
ability characteristics were evaluated. The results showed
that the behaviour of the composite was firm and stable due to
the UHPC overlay which bonded strongly with the old con-
crete. The study revealed that UHPC was efficient and stable
for concrete repair. Also, Roy et al. [93] used an effective
mixture of UHPC as a repair material for normal concrete. The
study was conducted to investigate the bond strength be-
tween UHPC and the substrate of normal concrete. The study
revealed that UHPC was effective for repairing deteriorated
structures.
Another utilization of UHPC in hybrid structure is in
timber-concrete composites. The two materials are
bonded together either with mechanical fasteners or rigid
connections. Their advantages are utilized in one com-
posite to achieve better performance. Detailed reviews of
this timber-concrete composite, including its connection
systems, were carried out by Yeoh et al. [94] and Rodri-
guez et al. [95].
Combining UHPC with wooden structures was also
investigated by Ferrier et al. [96]. A hybrid beam was made of
glued-laminated (glulam) wood and UHPC planks. The inves-
tigation showed that the use of UHPC was optimized with
better performance and efficiency based on greater bending
stiffness and significant increase in the structure capacity.
With UHPC, it is possible to reduce the depth and to increase
the span of the beam without affecting the structure’s
performance.
Also, Hajek et al. [97] studied the possibilities of using
UHPC in timber-concrete composite floor structures. They
designed a composite consisting of a timber beam and a thin
lower-weight UHPC deck. Since it is difficult to use mechanical
joints, they proved that gluing is a good method to connect the
two different materials. The study showed that the new type
of composite would enable the design of a UHPC deck with a
relatively small thickness (less than 30 mm).
Holy & Vrablik [98] summarized the research findings on
fabrication of timber-concrete composite structures and
suitable methods of coupling between the two materials. They
presented ways to develop pedestrian and cyclist footbridges
using innovative hybrids with efficient materials and better
construction methods.
Steel-UHPC composite bridge is also an important utiliza-
tion of UHPC in hybrid structure. It is a current field of
application for UHPC which attracts many researchers to
investigate the composite structure. Orthotropic steel deck, a
deck steel plate covered by a roadway surface, is used widely
in many types of bridges, especially, in long span steel bridge
as shown in Fig. 18 [99,100]. Despite having the advantages of
lightweight and high load capacity, this type of structure
suffers from cracks due to the fatigue problem under the load
[101,102].
Fatigue cracks are observed in many orthotropic steel deck
bridges around the world such as: the Severn Bridge in En-
gland, the Sinntal bridge in Germany, the Westgate bridge in
Australia, the bridge of Leverkusen in Germany [103]. This
fatigue problem has been studied by many researchers to
improve its performance.
One of the best prospective solution to resist this fatigue is
to use UHPC overlay as a deck pavement instead of the orig-
inal pavement [99,104]. The fatigue response of using UHPC
overlay with orthotropic steel deck was studied by Zhu et al.
[103]. The study showed that UHPC overlay can significantly
reduce the magnitude of the stress at the deck side. Also, the
transversal bending behaviour under bending moments of the
steel-UHPC composite deck was studied by Luo et al. [100]. The
study found that the UHPC overlay has a considerable effect
on the ultimate load capacity of the deck.
5. Conclusion
The new generation of concrete (UHPC) has an amazing level
of qualities that had never been thought possible before. After
reviewing the subject thoroughly, the following conclusions
were found:
1. It was clear that most of the researchers at the state of the
art emphasized that the mechanical and environmental
performance of UHPC surpassed all expectations, creating
a potential for wider applications in construction.
2. The mechanical properties of the new generation of con-
crete are greatly superior to the properties of conventional
concrete. These incomparable values are a function of
water to binder ratio, ultrafine powders, optimized packing
of particles, method of curing, and microstructural
reinforcement.
3. With this technology, it is possible to construct structures
beyond usual designs, which are lighter, larger, or with
longer span. Its special workability enables the fresh con-
crete to be cast in irregular or very slender shapes to form
structures with aesthetic appearance or extraordinary
finish.
4. However, the use of UHPC in construction is limited since it
is not commercially viable to replace conventional con-
crete in most applications for the following reasons:
a. An economic factor represented by the high cost of
some of its constituent materials, as well as the lack of
their availability. For instance, the cost of steel fibres can
be greater than the rest of the matrix materials
combined.
 j o u r n a l o f m a t e r i a l s r e s e a r c h a n d t e c h n o l o g y 2 0 2 1 ; 1 0 : 1 0 5 8 e1 0 7 4
b. Some technical aspects, such as limited design codes
and complicated manufacturing and curing techniques.
c. The negative impact of cement production on the
environment, since UHPC production requires about
double the amount of cement used in conventional
concrete.
5. One of the suggested ideas to promote UHPC in construc-
tion is to explore alternative materials to replace the
expensive composites of UHPC. Waste materials with
cementitious properties were recommended to replace
Portland cement and silica fume with the following
advantages:
a. Reduce concrete production costs,
b. Make concrete more friendly to the environment by
reducing waste materials and gas emissions from
cement production,
c. Improve the homogeneity and density of the concrete
for better strength and durability.
However, concrete made from these useful alternative
materials will not be of the same quality as the standard
UHPC. Therefore, a promising choice to promote the standard
technology in construction is to utilize UHPC in hybrid struc-
tures by combining it with other construction materials. UHPC
in hybrid structures is a choice that is more practical and
easier to construct since the cost of production is likely to be
reduced with a composite structure that has the advantages of
both combined materials. It is recommend, therefore, to
continue this field of research, since it has the potential to be
accepted in many different applications in construction.
Based on that, the authors are working to develop and
investigate a new design of hybrid structure that combines
UHPC with conventional concrete. The results will be docu-
mented in a separate paper.
Declaration of Competing Interest
The authors declare that they have no known competing
financial interests or personal relationships that could have
appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to express their Gratitudes to the
ministry of education and the deanship of scientific research
e Najran University e Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their
financial and Technical support under code number (NU/ESCI/
17/028). And also acknowledge the support from the Research
and Development Office, Ministry of Education, Saudi Arabia
in cooperation with Najran University in the form of post-
doctoral fellowship.
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Dr. Mohamad Abdullah Bajaber: A post-doctoral researcher,
Department of Civil Engineering, Najran University. The author
was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He received his B.S. and M.S.
degrees in Industrial Engineering from King Abdulaziz University.
He has worked in several private companies for twenty-five years
with good experience in project engineering and contracts man-
agement. Under the supervision of Dr. M. Taha from King Abdu-
laziz University and the technical support of Dr. T. Hegazy from
Waterloo University in Canada, the author completed the re-
quirements for the Doctor of philosophy in Civil Engineering in
May 2017. The thesis was to develop a decision support system for
prequalifying and selecting a contractor for construction projects.
In August 2020, he completed one-year post-doctoral followship
program, supervised by Najran University, and financially
supported by the Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia. The pro-
gram was a research work for concrete development in con-
struction engineering. The goal of the research position is to
pursue additional research and training in order to have better
skills to pursue a career in academia and research.
Dr. Ibrahim Yahya Hakeem: Assistant Professor, Department of
Civil Engineering Najran University. He received his Ph.D. (Civil
Engineering ; thesis: Structural Behavior of Unreinforced Hybrid
Slab Elements Cast with Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)
from the KFUPM, Saudi Arabia in 2014. He obtained his M.S. Civil
Engineering ; thesis: Characterization of an Ultra-High Perfor-
mance Concrete (UHPC) from KFUPM in 2011 and B.S. in Civil
Engineering in 2001 from Aden University , Yemen. Dr. Hakeem
has teaching and research experience of more than 15 years. He
has over 10 publications in refereed journals and conference
proceedings. He has worked as the Principal Investigator and Co-
Investigator in several funded research projects. Recently, he has
focused his attention on the development and utilization of UHPC
which is viewed as the next generation of concrete, and began his
work during his M.S. thesis through a funded project and has
published several papers in this area. Dr. Hakeem research in-
terests include the following: Structural analysis; Ultra-High Per-
formance Concrete (UHPC) developer ; development of hybrid
construction using UHPC ; durability and protection of reinforced
concrete structures in aggressive media; Repair materials and
repair systems, composite structures and sustainable structural
materials.