Lehigh White, LafargeHolcim back Ultra-High Performance Concrete Symposium

Sources: Iowa State University Extension, Ames; CP staff

Conference 400Organizers of the First Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC), July 18-20 in Des Moines, Iowa, envision a platform to share material and structural design knowledge, application examples and opportunities, and means of growing UHPC practice.

Typically measuring in the 20,000-psi or higher compressive strength range, UHPC is among major concrete technology breakthroughs in recent decades. Symposium sessions and themed workshops will cover current activities and innovations; product or project design emphasizing enhanced performance, sustainability, durability, resiliency and cost efficiency; material characterization methods adapted to UHPC; numerical material and structural modeling; plus, small- to large-scale applications, including repair and retrofit.

UHPC piques the interest of researchers, designers, practitioners, agencies, contractors and suppliers through its mechanical performance and environmental degradation resistance, symposium organizers note, adding that the material “Unites people, disciplines and societies to achieve goals of high impact. Those goals are directed towards an enhancement of our safety, health and living conditions by positively impacting our environment [and] infrastructure, and by providing inspiring, sustainable and cost-efficient solutions to current problems and to those to come.”

Themed “UHPC Unites,” the symposium is sponsored by Iowa State University, Federal Highway Administration, LafargeHolcim, Lehigh White Cement, American Concrete Institute and Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute. Co-chairing the event are Iowa State’s Sri Sritharan, University of Connecticut’s Kay Willie and FHWA’s Ben Graybeal; Lehigh White Cement’s Larry Rowland is secretary, LafargeHolcim’s Dominque Corvez is international liaison.

The First Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete will be staged at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines. Registration can be obtained here or through Iowa State Registration Services, 1601 Golden Aspen Dr., Ste 110, Ames, IA 50010; 800/262-0015.