Structural performance and implementation challenges of next-generation concrete materials

Abstract

Conventional concrete faces limitations in durability, sustainability, and adaptability to modern structural demands, constraining its use in high-rise, bridge, and extreme-environment applications. This study examines emerging concrete mixes—HPC, UHPC, SCC, FRC, GPC, and 3D-Printed Concrete—by evaluating their mechanical properties, implementation challenges, and future opportunities. A review of experimental data, case studies, and comparative analyses was conducted to assess strength, durability, workability, and structural applications. Results show that HPC and UHPC reach compressive strengths of 60–200 MPa, GPC achieves 40–80 MPa with reduced CO₂ emissions, SCC demonstrates slump flows of 600–800 mm, and fibre reinforcement enhances tensile strength to 8–15 MPa. These findings highlight superior performance, sustainability, and constructability, though high costs, lack of standards, and scalability issues remain obstacles to widespread adoption. This review uniquely integrates comparative insights on High-Performance, Ultra-High-Performance, Self-Compacting, Fibre-Reinforced, Geopolymer, and 3D-Printed concretes, bridging laboratory findings with real-world applications. Unlike existing reviews, it emphasizes structural implementation challenges and opportunities. Key obstacles—including high cost, lack of standards, and scalability—are outlined to contextualize pathways for sustainable adoption. Overall, next-generation concretes deliver enhanced strength, durability, and sustainability, making them viable for critical infrastructure. Future studies should focus on advancing standardization, integrating nanotechnology and AI for mix optimization, and developing cost-effective, large-scale deployment strategies.