Up to 20% Less CO2
Reduce structural weight and commensurately reduce CO2 footprint by up to 20%
The new generation of codes (including the 2024 AASHTO UHPC Design Guide) have shifted away from prescriptive provisions (e.g. adding a specific amount of steel fibers) to performance (e.g. achieving specific performance parameters). A key provision requires the use of UHPC with a minimum localization strain and ties flexural strength to the sectional ductility, which is itself is a function of material ductility (the localization strain).
With its ability to greatly boost the localization strain of UHPC, HiPer steel fibers enable the design of slimmer structures that have the same strength as their larger counterparts reinforced with competing steel fibers. The computations below show the tradeoffs that are possible with the use of HiPer steel fibers. The calculations are based on a real bridge that was designed with HiPer steel fibers and is currently in commission.
The figure shows that it is possible to reduce fiber dosage by 50% (from 3% by volume to 1.5% by volume) if the same structural cross-section is used. Alternatively, a smaller cross-section can be used at the same fiber dosage (3%) is used. The smaller section leads to 19% less weight and also a 19% reduction in steel fiber usage. Less structural weight means a commensurately lower carbon footprint while the fiber savings imply a reduction in cost. It is a win-win situation.
