What is UHPC?
Ultra High Performance Concrete is an advanced cementitious material with high density, high compressive strength, tensile ductility and unique durability properties. Made with high strength fibers, fine microfillers and superplasticizers resulting in a tightly packed and dense matrix with exceptional strength and a water/binder ratio of less than 0.22.
The homogenous matrix eliminates coarse aggregates and replaces them with small sized particles (micro fillers) for denser packing. Micro filler particles and silica fumes reduce void space and improve mechanical properties. Fibers increase ductility and energy absorption. Super plasticizers provide better workability while reducing the water/cement ratio.
Ingredients
- Binders: Portland Cement, Silica Fumes, Metakaolin
- Micro Fillers: Quartz Powder, Fine Silica Sand
- Superplasticizers
- Fibers: PVA, Steel, Basalt, Carbon (or combination)
- Water
ForteKret™
ForteKret™ is BFG International's proprietary UHPC mix — the only proprietary mix available in the region. With several mixes developed for different project specifications, ForteKret™ has been fully tested and used in iconic projects, and is competitively priced.
ForteKret™ Architecture Grade
White / Light Grey
Designed for cladding, architectural elements, uniformity in finish, and colour brightness.
- Compressive Strength >120 MPa
- Flexural Strength >15 MPa
- Water Absorption <1%
- Modulus of Elasticity >50 GPa
- Density 2200–2400 kg/m³
ForteKret™ Extreme
Industrial Grade — Light Grey
Engineered for structural and architectural elements, urban furniture, thin cross-sections, landscaping, structural furniture, and densified surfaces.
- Compressive Strength >150 MPa
- Flexural Strength >25 MPa
- Water Absorption <0.5%
- Modulus of Elasticity >60 GPa
- Density 2250–2450 kg/m³
- Splitting Tensile >12 MPa
Technical Specifications
| Property | ForteKret™ | ForteKret™ Extreme |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 2200–2400 kg/m³ | 2600–2800 kg/m³ |
| Compressive Strength | 100–120 MPa | 150–170 MPa |
| Flexural Strength | 12–15 MPa | 15–40 MPa |
| Tensile Strength | 6–10 MPa | 10–14 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 40–45 GPa | 55–65 GPa |
| Thermal Expansion | 1.8–1.9 × 10-6 mm/mm °C | 1.7–2.0 × 10-6 mm/mm °C |
| Water Absorption | 0.1–0.2% | 0.08–0.1% |
| Water Penetration | 2–3 mm | 1.5–2.5 mm |
| Fire Performance | ASTM E84 | ASTM E84 |
| Fibers | PVA | Stainless Steel Fiber |
Standards: BS EN 12390-1, BS EN 12390-7, BS EN 12390-3
GFRC vs UHPC Comparison
| Property | Unit | GFRC | UHPC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressive Strength | MPa | 70–80 | 120–150 |
| Flexural Strength | MPa | 18–30 | 15–45 |
| Thermal Expansion | inches | 0.03 in. per metre at 40° | 0.01 in. per metre at 40° |
| Density | kg/m³ | 1800–2000 | 2200–2450 |
| Water Absorption | % | 8–12 | 2–4 |
| Overall Shrinkage | % | 0.1–0.15 | 0.03–0.05 |
| Abrasion Resistance | gms/cm³ | 0.6 | 0.0002 |
| Fire Performance | — | Non-combustible | Non-combustible |
| Overall Tolerance | mm | ± 3 mm per 3 metres | ± 2 mm per 3 metres |
| Colored | — | Yes | Yes |
| Glossiness | — | 50% | 70–80% |
| Sharpness in Design | — | Less | High |
| Corners Chip Out | — | Few corners chip out | No corner chip out |
| Water : Cement Ratio | — | 0.3–0.35 | 0.2–0.25 |
Advantages
Cost Reduction
Applications
Surface Treatments
UHPC elements can be protected with two types of surface treatments:
Colours
12 standard colours available with the ability to customise. Platinum and White are formulated without pigment. All other colours use UV-stable pigments added during mixing.