WHAT IS ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE?

Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) is the English term for what we in Danish call ultra højstyrkebeton. But what exactly is Ultra High Performance Concrete? It is a type of concrete with significantly higher strength and durability than conventional concrete products. UHPC typically has a strength range of 130–200 MPa, clearly distinguishing it from both high-strength concrete and fiber-reinforced concrete, which generally fall between 50–90 MPa.

At Hi-Con, we work with our own proprietary variant called CRC, or Compact Reinforced Composite. This type of UHPC was originally developed and patented by Hans Henrik Bache at Aalborg Portland in 1986, marking the beginning of the first UHPC in the world.

So, what is our UHPC made of? CRC achieves its high strength through an extremely dense matrix and low porosity, ensuring both long service life and high durability, even under harsh conditions such as marine environments or severe frost. Our production typically reaches an average strength of around 165 MPa, though we often apply a lower characteristic strength, as it is rarely the limiting factor in our solutions.

A high content of steel fibers provides the material with the desired ductility and allows us to work with closely spaced reinforcement without the risk of cracking. Unlike traditional fiber-reinforced concrete, where the fibers act as the main reinforcement, we use them as secondary reinforcement, primarily for crack control and to manage deflection, while load-bearing capacity is ensured through conventional reinforcement.

UNIQUE ADVANTAGES OF ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Let your creativity run free, without being limited by what traditional concrete allows.
With Ultra High Performance Concrete, you have the opportunity to create new shapes and expressions that were previously not possible. This is exactly what UHPC excels at.
UHPC elements have a lifespan of over 100 years. This is due to the material’s extremely dense structure and low porosity. For developers and end-users, this means significantly lower lifecycle costs. It highlights what UHPC is designed for: long-lasting solutions.
When you build with UHPC, you get maintenance-free concrete elements. They only require cleaning of surface dirt, with no impact on the structure’s function. Even in harsh environments like coastal areas, replacement is not needed during the material’s lifetime. This greatly reduces operating and maintenance costs.
We offer a wide range of installation methods, often combined and tailored to the specific project. Regardless of the solution, you can count on us to find the most efficient and secure method for your construction.
UHPC is inherently fire-resistant, just like traditional concrete. Over the years, we have conducted several fire tests on our material, which you can read more about in our knowledge center.
By using a very thin concrete cover, we achieve ultra-slim and lightweight elements. It’s not the material itself, but the optimized quantity that makes the difference. The result is greater freedom in dimensions and formats, without compromising on strength or functionality.

Don’t limit yourself. In many cases, it’s the building’s structure, regulations, or other factors that limit size and design possibilities, not the material itself.
With a compressive strength of up to 165 MPa, UHPC surpasses ordinary concrete, fiber-reinforced concrete, and traditional high-strength concrete. The material’s extreme strength enables new structural possibilities with less material, exactly what UHPC is known for.
Thanks to the lightweight and slim design of UHPC elements, installation requires fewer resources. We often use smaller, more mobile cranes than those needed for traditional concrete, saving both time and cost.
Due to the material's extreme strength and density, we use less material compared to similar elements in conventional concrete, which means we apply a very small cover layer on the reinforcement. A study also shows that the production of Hi-Con concept balconies emits 22.8% less CO2 than a steel balcony. Read more about the study here.

Additionally, the material has a lifespan of 100+ years, making it a more environmentally conscious choice.

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We know that time is critical in any construction project. That’s why our production and logistics are organized to ensure fast delivery, without compromising on quality.

To give you an idea of what to expect:
The design phase typically takes around 10–12 weeks. This is followed by a pre-production phase, including formwork fabrication, which usually takes 4–6 weeks before actual production begins. Our production capacity allows us to cast between one and several elements per day, depending on the project’s scale, the size of the elements, and the number of available molds. As a standard, we typically cast one element per day, four days a week.

We work hard to ensure our clients receive their UHPC elements on time, so construction projects can proceed smoothly and according to schedule. Our goal is to provide you with the confidence that comes from knowing we understand how critical efficient delivery is in the construction industry.

It’s worth noting that delivery time may naturally vary depending on the project scope and the design and complexity of the elements.

HOW ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE IS USED

What Ultra High Performance Concrete truly is becomes especially clear when looking into how the material is applied in practice. UHPC is typically used in buildings and constructions where there are high demands for strength, durability, and aesthetics. At Hi-Con, the material is primarily used for elements where low weight, slenderness, and long lifespan are key factors.

The most common application areas include:

Whether it’s a new build or a renovation, UHPC offers solutions that combine function, aesthetics, and longevity. The material’s versatility makes it suitable for both standardized and custom-designed elements, and Hi-Con is ready to advise and develop the right solution for your specific project.

WHY CHOOSE ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE?

Ultra High Performance Concrete combines the best of both concrete and steel, while also offering a range of unique advantages. Although the material resembles traditional concrete, it has significantly higher compressive and tensile strength. At Hi-Con, we use our own variant called CRC, which, due to its dense matrix and low porosity, allows for thinner concrete cover over the reinforcement, increased wear resistance, and improved anchoring.

Compared to steel, CRC offers greater durability, better fire resistance, and more robust connection solutions. This makes UHPC an ideal choice for structures where strength, weight, and aesthetics are critical.

By choosing UHPC, you get lighter and slimmer elements than with traditional concrete. At the same time, the need for complex joints and additional fire protection is reduced. And unlike steel, the material requires no structural maintenance, even in demanding environments.

CHOOSE FROM MULTIPLE DESIGN OPTIONS

What is Ultra High Performance Concrete in an architectural context? UHPC is not just a technical solution, it is also an architectural material that offers great aesthetic freedom. At Hi-Con, we offer multiple design options that can be adapted to match the visual expression and functional requirements of your project.

You can choose from standard colours like grey and light, but there is also the possibility of selecting various surface finishes, colours, and/or incorporating other materials such as brick or tiles. These can be used to add texture and character to the elements, both in façade expression and detailed design.

The formability, lightness, and strength of UHPC also make it ideal for renovation projects where a unified appearance with existing structures is required. You can achieve this in a thinner, lighter, and more durable way that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

SURFACES AND TEXTURES

We offer 9 standard surface finishes, but the possibilities don’t stop there. In collaboration with you, we can create unique textures, reliefs, and patterns that add character and depth to your project.

However, surface treatment isn’t just about aesthetics. It can also be adapted with functional solutions such as slip-resistant coatings that enhance safety on balconies and stairs.

Surface G1

Surface G2

Surface G2 S

Surface G3

Surface G4

Surface G6

Surface G7

Surface G8

Surface G8 Gray

Surface G8 Light

DISCOVER THE HISTORY BEHIND ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE

Ultra High Performance Concrete is the result of many years of development and research into concrete materials with significantly higher strength, durability, and formability than traditional concrete.

A major breakthrough in Denmark was achieved in 1986 when Hans Henrik Bache at Aalborg Portland developed and patented the first version of what would later become known as CRC, Compact Reinforced Composite. This type of concrete was recognized as the world’s first UHPC and marked the beginning of a new era in concrete technology.

CRC has since been further developed in line with increasing demands on building materials and is now at the core of Hi-Con’s work with advanced, slender, and durable concrete solutions. The material’s properties have made it possible to challenge conventional construction and create new solutions in balconies, staircases, facades, and much more.

LET HI-CON SUPPORT YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

At Hi-Con, we are specialists in solutions made with Ultra High Performance Concrete, and we are with you every step of the way, from idea to completed construction. Whether you’re facing new construction, renovation, or a custom-designed project, we help you find the optimal solution that meets both functional requirements and architectural vision.

We offer consulting, design support, and tailored solutions based on your specific project. Our experience with UHPC, especially our own developed CRC technology, enables us to create elements that are durable, maintenance-free, and aesthetically refined.

Through close dialogue, we ensure that your needs and ambitions are transformed into concrete solutions – whether for balconies, staircases, façade elements, or urban components. We prioritize high quality, precision, and reliable delivery.

Let us help you realize your next construction project with Ultra High Performance Concrete. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation, explore our previous projects, or learn more about how we work with UHPC at Hi-Con.

WHAT IS ULTRA HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE?