Is UHPC Suitable for Bridge Engineering? Structural Innovation and Qinglong Group's New Chapter in Bridge Construction

UHPC is highly suitable for bridge engineering and is leading a new trend in bridge construction of "lightweight, long service life, rapid construction, and aesthetic expression." Its ultra-high strength (compressive ≥150MPa, flexural ≥15MPa) and toughness allow reduced component dimensions, lighter self-weight, and longer spans; its exceptional durability (frost resistance ≥F300, impermeability ≥P12) can greatly extend bridge service life and reduce whole-life cycle costs. In multiple UHPC bridge projects Qinglong Group has participated in, such as a composite girder bridge on an expressway in Guangdong and a pedestrian landscape bridge in Shenzhen, practice has shown that UHPC bridge deck slab thickness can be reduced to 40-50mm (one-third that of ordinary concrete), with maintenance intervals expected to exceed 30 years. UHPC is the ideal material for achieving bridges that are "longer, lighter, longer-lasting, and more beautiful."

Bridge Deck Pavement: Ultra-Thin Wear-Resistant Layer

UHPC used as a bridge deck pavement layer (30-50mm thick) can effectively prevent water and de-icing salts from attacking the main structure, and its high wear resistance accommodates heavy traffic. Compared with traditional pavement, service life is increased more than threefold, and no waterproofing layer is required, simplifying the structure. The UHPC pavement we supplied for an overpass in Nanning has been in safe use for 8 years, with the road surface still intact.

Prefabricated Assembled Components: Rapid Construction

UHPC precast beams, slabs, and joint connectors enable rapid prefabrication and assembly of bridges. Its early strength property (1-day strength ≥50MPa) shortens formwork removal time and accelerates construction schedules. In the construction of a municipal viaduct in Guangdong, UHPC precast pier caps were hoisted and installed on site, reducing the construction period by 40%.

Old Bridge Strengthening and Repair: Efficient and Economical

Strengthening old bridges with bonded UHPC layers (or panels) or external wrapping can significantly increase their flexural and shear load-bearing capacity, while adding little extra weight. This method is more efficient and durable than traditional strengthening. Qinglong Group strengthened a dilapidated bridge in Hunan, raising its load-bearing capacity by 50% at a cost of only one-fifth of rebuilding.

Long-Span and Landscape Bridges: Unity of Aesthetics and Structure

The high strength of UHPC makes it suitable for long-span bridges with fewer piers. Its moldability makes it easy to achieve the graceful forms of landscape bridges. A landscape pedestrian bridge we designed in Shenzhen, with a span of 60 meters and a slender deck, resembles a flying rainbow and has become a calling card for the city.

Applying UHPC to bridges is a perfect combination of technological progress and engineering economics. Qinglong Group is committed to using advanced materials to empower China's bridge construction.