ARGOS SUPER UHPC: THE CONCRETE OF THE FUTURE, NOW.
By Jose Patino – R&D Engineer
With all the scientific and tangible evidence about climate change and its dire effects on our planet, it is not a secret that we must evolve towards more conscientious and sustainable ways. The construction industry, as a major greenhouse gases contributor, has a big responsibility and a considerable challenge to adopt new specialized processes and material technologies that allow it to cut this type of emissions significantly. Through employing different strategies, from reducing raw material extraction, waste, and fossil fuel usage to designing and building with smarter high-tech materials that lead to resilient structures, we can begin to alter our course towards a more environmentally safe future.
As an industry leader, Argos has a broad but strict approach to contribute to this much-needed transformation. One of its main pillars is the development of a specialized product portfolio, with which value can be generated for all the players along the chain, from the specifier to the end-user, and at the same time create durable and environmentally friendly solutions.
Following this, Argos is launching the new SUPER UHPC, a cutting-edge Ultra-high performance concrete developed through a rigorous research process. This remarkably innovative product is composed of a series of special cementitious materials and fibers, giving it outstanding mechanical and durability properties.
Some of Argos SUPER UHPC technical specs are:
| Self-compacting consistency | 200 to 260 mm (8 to 10 in) | ASTM C1437* |
| Compressive strength at 28 days | 150 MPa (21.7 ksi) | ASTM C39* |
| Flexural strength at 28 days | 18 MPa (2600 psi) | ASTM C1609* |
| Modulus of elasticity | 45 GPa (6500 ksi) | ASTM C469* |
| Chloride Ion penetration resistance | 270 Coulombs (Very Low) | ASTM C1202* |
| Freeze-Thaw resistance | RDM >= 95% after 600 cycles | ASTM C666* |
*With test modifications according to ASTM C1856.
This versatile product has a wide range of applications. The construction of pedestrian bridges, vehicular bridges, facades, and roads stand out and the repair and rehabilitation of existing structures. Here are some projects that highlight Argos´ experience with this unique material:
EAFIT PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 2017 – Medellin, Colombia
UNAL PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE 2018 – Manizales, Colombia
WEWORK BUILDING 2019 – Medellin, Colombia
I-10 BRIDGE DECK CONNECTION JOINTS 2021 – Pensacola, FL
Argos SUPER UHPC will help in the rehabilitation of thousands of deteriorated roads and bridges and in the construction of new highly durable (+100 years) and resilient infrastructure, that´s why it is considered to be an important concrete for the future of construction.
