Publication

UHPFRC “Upcycling” of Deficient Reinforced Concrete Bridges

Eugen Brühwiler
2026

Abstract

UHPFRC stands for ultra-high-performance fibre-reinforced-cementitious composite material, that is complemented by reinforcing steel bars to form a R-UHPFRC strengthening layer. UHPFRC “upcycling” has the goal to enhance the resistance and durability of deficient structural elements in reinforced concrete. It helps to avoid the still widespread and material- and cost-intensive practice of “demolition-replacement” of deficient reinforced concrete bridges. As UHPFRC “upcycling” often offers significant cost and environmental benefits, it should become the default option when dealing with deficient reinforced concrete bridges. This report is intended to serve for the structural engineering community to profit from the 20-year long application experience in Switzerland to broadly apply this new technology.

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/7268b19a-2e09-4ed9-81a7-4f9c93d5cf70

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Eugen Brühwiler
2026

Abstract

Official source

https://infoscience.epfl.ch/entities/publication/7268b19a-2e09-4ed9-81a7-4f9c93d5cf70

About this result

Related concepts (16)

Reinforced concrete

Reinforced concrete, also called ferroconcrete, is a composite material in which concrete's relatively low tensile strength and ductility are compensated for by the inclusion of reinforcement having higher tensile strength or ductility. The reinforcement is usually, though not necessarily, steel bars (rebar) and is usually embedded passively in the concrete before the concrete sets. However, post-tensioning is also employed as a technique to reinforce the concrete. In terms of volume used annually, it is one of the most common engineering materials.

Types of concrete

Concrete is produced in a variety of compositions, finishes and performance characteristics to meet a wide range of needs. Modern concrete mix designs can be complex. The choice of a concrete mix depends on the need of the project both in terms of strength and appearance and in relation to local legislation and building codes. The design begins by determining the requirements of the concrete. These requirements take into consideration the weather conditions that the concrete will be exposed to in service, and the required design strength.

Concrete

Concrete is a composite material composed of aggregate bonded together with a fluid cement that cures over time. Concrete is the second-most-used substance in the world after water, and is the most widely used building material. Its usage worldwide, ton for ton, is twice that of steel, wood, plastics, and aluminium combined. When aggregate is mixed with dry Portland cement and water, the mixture forms a fluid slurry that is easily poured and molded into shape.

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UHPFRC “Upcycling” of Deficient Reinforced Concrete Bridges

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