Since first developed in the late 1970s, the material known as high-strength concrete is

now referred to as high-performance concrete (HPC) because it has been found to be not
only stronger but more durable. Recent developments in HPC have resulted in a high-tech
material with enhanced characteristics and durability. It is a more ecologically friendly
material as it offers a longer life for the materials used.

HPC is a material with a low water/binder ratio (0.3-0.4), which undergoes sufficient
water curing to control its dimensional stability. Conventional concrete can be
characterised solely by its compressive strength. This can be directly linked to the
water/binder ratio, which is still the best indicator of paste porosity. Most of the useful
mechanical concrete characteristics can be linked to compressive strength by simple
empirical formulas. This is because the hydrated cement paste and transition zone around
coarse aggregate particles constitute the weakest links in concrete. The aggregate
component (especially the coarse aggregate) contributes little to the mechanical
properties of ordinary concrete. As the strength of the hydrated cement paste increases,
the transition zone between the coarse aggregate and the hydrated cement paste
practically disappears (see Figures 1 and 2). Under these conditions, HPC behaves like a
true composite material, as there is proper stress transfer.

HPC cannot be made by a casual approach: all ingredients must be carefully selected,
checked and proportioned because their individual characteristics significantly affect the
properties of the final product. Particular attention must be paid to water content, for even
seemingly insignificant volumes of water in the aggregates or admixtures should be taken
into account. Compressive strengths of 50-75MPa can be easily achieved with most
cements. On the other hand, it is sometimes more difficult to control the theology long
enough to place an HPC with a 200mm slump an hour or more after mixing, owing to
potential incompatibility between the cement and superplasticiser. If water curing is
essential to develop the potential strength of cement in conventional concrete, early water
curing is crucial for HPC to avoid rapid development of autogenous shrinkage and to
control concrete dimensional stability.

An ordinary concrete with a water/cement ratio greater than 0.5, for example, contains
more water than required to fully hydrate the cement particles. Much of this water is in
well-connected large capillaries, so the menisci created by self-desiccation appear in
large capillaries where they generate low tensile stresses. Therefore, the hydrated cement
paste barely shrinks when self-desiccation develops. With HPC, self-desiccation starts to
develop immediately hydration begins, and the menisci rapidly develop in small
capillaries if external water is not added. Early drying of the fine capillaries and creation
of nano-porosity in the cement paste generates high tensile stresses that shrink the
hydrated cement paste. This early shrinkage is referred to as autogenous shrinkage.

When there is an external water supply, the capillaries do not dry out. There is no
development of menisci, nano-porosity, tensile stress or autogenous shrinkage within
HPC if it is constantly water-cured from the start (see Figure 3). If HPC is not water-
cured immediately after placing or finishing, it may develop severe plastic shrinkage
because it is not protected by bleed water. It will later develop severe autogenous
shrinkage because of its rapid hydration. Although curing membranes adequately protect
ordinary concrete, which is insensitive to autogenous shrinkage, they can only help
prevent the development of plastic shrinkage in HPC, but do not inhibit autogenous
shrinkage.

The critical curing period for any HPC runs from placing or finishing up to two or three
days later. The most critical period is usually from 12 to 36 hours (see Figure 4). Those
who specify and use HPC must be aware of the dramatic consequences of omitting early
water curing. Water curing that begins after 24 hours is too late because much
autogenous shrinkage has already occurred and, by this time, the microstructure is
compacted and capillaries are disconnected. External water, therefore, has little chance of
penetrating far into the concrete.

In the field, concrete is seldom cured properly because contractors are not usually
specifically paid for doing so. The best way to cure HPC is by water ponding or fogging
(misting). An evaporation retarder can be applied temporarily to prevent plastic shrinkage
developing.

Then the concrete surface should be covered with hessian (wet burlap) or preferably a
wetted geotextile. The burlap or geotextile must be kept constantly wet with a soaker
hose and protected from drying by a polyethylene sheet (see Figure 5).

HPC is not a passing fad. Its high strength and durability resulting from its compact
microstructure and low permeability guarantee it is here to stay. For example, it is ideal
for aggressive environments where chlorides are present. In addition, ecological pressures
will lead to further adoption of the material in the 21st century. However, this greater use
will depend upon sound concreting practice, especially good curing. It would be a pity if
improper practice and poor curing - resulting in a structure with impervious concrete
between the cracks - were to hamper this process.