Authors: Girish Prasad, Professor Vinay Deulkar, Assistant Professor Piyush Mahajan
Abstract: Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) is increasingly recognized as an advanced construction material for high-traffic highway pavements because of its outstanding mechanical performance, durability, and extended service life. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of UHPC, covering its development, constituent materials, mix-design principles, mechanical characteristics, durability performance, and recent developments in pavement applications. Particular attention is given to its superior compressive and flexural strength, very low permeability, high abrasion resistance, and enhanced resistance to freeze–thaw cycles and chemical deterioration. These properties make UHPC particularly suitable for pavements subjected to heavy traffic and demanding environmental conditions. Despite these benefits, its wider adoption is constrained by factors such as relatively high initial cost, limited availability of specialized materials, and challenges associated with large-scale construction and implementation. Overall, the reviewed research indicates that UHPC offers considerable potential for improving pavement performance, extending service life, reducing maintenance requirements, and supporting the development of more durable and sustainable highway infrastructure.
