HOW ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE DIFFERS FROM FIBER CONCRETE

Learn the difference between fiber concrete and UHPC

WHY WE USE ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Concrete is not just concrete. The construction industry works with many different concrete types, but two that often stand out, and are frequently confused, are fiber concrete and Ultra High Performance Concrete. Both materials are known for their strength, design flexibility, and potential for slim, elegant structures. However, there are key differences that matter when it comes to applications, durability, and, most importantly, load-bearing capacity.

Read on to learn why Hi-Con has chosen to specialize in Ultra High Performance Concrete.

WHAT IS FIBER CONCRETE?

Fiber concrete has been a popular material in the construction industry for decades. It is a type of concrete reinforced with steel, glass, or plastic fibers to improve tensile strength and toughness. The fibers help control cracking and make the material more resistant to impact and wear.

While fiber concrete is strong and reliable, it does come with certain limitations.

A CLOSER LOOK AT ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Ultra High Performance Concrete, often shortened to UHPC, is an advanced form of regular strength concrete. Compared to fiber concrete, UHPC represents the next step forward, offering significantly greater strength and durability.

The secret lies in its extremely dense structure and very low porosity, which makes UHPC exceptionally robust and resistant to external stresses. At Hi-Con, we combine a high content of steel fibers with traditional reinforcement to ensure maximum strength and load-bearing capacity.

WHAT SETS UHPC APART FROM FIBER CONCRETE?

We have chosen to specialize in UHPC because it offers both us and our clients more possibilities. In many ways, fiber concrete and UHPC are similar: both are strong, flexible, and allow for slim, modern-looking designs. But one crucial difference defines their applications: fiber concrete cannot be used for load-bearing structures, as it requires additional embedded reinforcement.

In practice, this means fiber concrete is best suited for non-load-bearing applications such as facade cladding, architectural details, or art installations - where aesthetics matter more than structural function. But for balconies (beyond deck slabs), stairs, or other structures where both safety and load-bearing capacity are critical, fiber concrete is not an option. Here, UHPC is ideal. The material combines extreme strength with steel fibers and reinforcement, enabling safe, reliable structures that last for generations.

KEY PROPERTIES OF UHPC

As mentioned, UHPC uses a combination of fibers and traditional reinforcement, giving it several unique advantages:

High compressive strength: UHPC typically achieves 130–200 MPa, compared to fiber concrete’s 50–90 MPa. Its dense structure also makes it highly resistant to water, salt, and chemicals, ensuring a lifespan of more than 100 years, even in harsh environments.
Slim elements: Thanks to its strength, UHPC can be cast into very thin and lightweight elements. This creates elegant, modern designs while also making transport and installation easier.
Low maintenance: Its dense structure makes UHPC virtually maintenance-free. Beyond cleaning, it requires no extra treatment. It is also fire-resistant, reducing the need for additional fire protection.
Load-bearing capacity: By combining steel fibers with reinforcement, UHPC makes it possible to create innovative structures where safety and strength are top priority. This unique combination not only provides strength but also the toughness needed to withstand heavy loads without compromising design.

HOW WE USE UHPC IN PRACTICE

Ultra High Performance Concrete can be used in many different types of construction. At Hi-Con, the most common applications are balconies and gallery walkways, where its strength and low weight allow for large, elegant elements that are also easy to install.

In addition, we use UHPC for bridges, staircases, facades, renovation projects, and security solutions - anywhere durability, weight, and aesthetics must go hand in hand. See more about our solutions here.

Curious to see how we produce UHPC?

Learn more here.