UHPC is essentially ultra high performance concrete that achieves previously unattainable engineering properties such as superior durability and tensile strength. It is increasingly been used in large-scale applications as structural or architectural elements such as slabs, beams, columns and as repair or as a joint material to bind prefabricated elements. UHPC has the potential to significantly change how the building industry approaches sustainable high-performance structures. Symposium attendees will discover how UHPC delivers enhanced durability, reduce maintenance and material consumption with increased performance and design flexibility.
The Symposium will include offsite tours of a variety of UHPC applications in bridge construction and demonstration projects. Over seventy–five papers from internationally renowned experts on the topic of UHPC and concrete will be presented. Interactive panels and thematic workshops will present recent UHPC activities and innovations and offer insight into topics related to:
- UHPC basics, introduction to the material
- Latest developments in UHPC material design and characterization
- Architectural applications with UHPC
- Structural design and component modelling
- UHPC applications for bridges and infrastructure
- Rehabilitation and retrofitting applications with UHPC and other aspects to further spread the theoretical knowledge and practical experiences
Student Competition: Student teams representing eight national and international university “Finalist” will compete in the UHPC Student Competition. Teams will compete to develop and test an aesthetically attractive and structurally efficient flexural beam made out of Ultra High Performance Concrete. The competition will evaluate how well teams accurately model the structural performance of their beams and balance the competing goals of maximizing flexural strength while minimizing their units mass. The Des Moines Symposium has extended invitations to the following Universities:
- Iowa State University
- Missouri University of Science and Technology
- State University of New York, Buffalo
- University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
- University of Nebraska
- University of Ottawa
- University of Texas, Arlington
- Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Interested participants can register for the conference at the Symposium website. Onsite Registration begins Sunday July 17th at 4:30 pm followed by a Welcome Reception at the Des Moines Marriott. Three full days of conference proceedings will follow Monday July 18 through Wednesday July 20th. Agenda details are available here.
