Workforce Development Symposiums for UHPC

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a cementitious material with a dense microstructure that contributes to high compressive strengths as well as enhanced durability properties. UHPC also possesses significant post-cracking strength and ductility due to the addition of fibers. These characteristics produce a material that provides advantages over conventional concrete; however, high costs attributed to materials and production, lack of industry familiarity and knowledge, and the absence of standardized design procedures have impeded its widespread use. To help disseminate knowledge on UHPC, two workforce development symposiums on UHPC were held in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The symposiums consisted of presentations and hands-on demonstrations to introduce UHPC and distribute the findings of almost a decade of research conducted in New Mexico to a diverse audience including members of the New Mexico Department of Transportation, contractors, designers, researchers, and concrete suppliers. Through the symposiums, a more knowledgeable workforce was created, guidance on the mixing, placing, and curing of UHPC was provided, concerns were addressed, collaborations were developed, and increased interest in UHPC was generated