Is it possible today to make large cement savings in the production of Portland cement with UHPC binder systems?

Yes, you can potentially save on cement usage today in Readymix concrete, when using WPE DK UHPC compared to standard portland cement. Here's why:

1. Higher Strength

UHPC typically achieves significantly higher compressive strength than standard concrete. This increased strength allows for the reduction of cement content while still maintaining the desired performance. By using less cement, you can save on material costs and reduce the environmental impact associated with cement production.

2. Enhanced Particle Packing

UHPC incorporates a high volume of fine particles, such as silica fume, which improves the particle packing within the mixture. This optimized packing reduces the amount of cement paste required to fill the voids, resulting in a more efficient use of cementitious materials.

3. Lower Water-to-Cement Ratio

UHPC generally requires a lower water-to-cement ratio compared to standard concrete. The reduced water content enhances the strength and density of the mixture while minimizing shrinkage and improving durability. By decreasing the water content, the amount of cement needed can be reduced, leading to cost savings.

4. Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs)

UHPC formulations often incorporate supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume. These materials contribute to the overall cementitious content of the mixture while reducing the amount of Portland cement required. Using SCMs can result in cost savings while enhancing the performance characteristics of the concrete.

5. Cement reduction

With the use of one of our special UHPC binders, up to 50% of Portland cement can be saved. Our laboratory and practical tests have clearly confirmed the savings without changing the processing and technical properties compared to Portland cement.

The concrete with a low proportion of cement can be processed by any concrete mixing plant worldwide without any problems.

6. Thinner Elements

UHPC's superior strength and durability properties enable the design of thinner precast elements compared to standard concrete. Thinner elements require less concrete volume and, consequently, less cement. This reduction in material usage leads to cost savings.

It's important to note that while UHPC has the high potential to reduce cement consumption in standard concretes, other factors such as the specific mix design, desired performance criteria, and project requirements can influence the actual cement savings achieved. Proper mix design optimization, careful consideration of material properties, and collaboration with a knowledgeable concrete supplier or engineer are crucial to achieving the desired results and maximizing cost savings.