INTEGRATED PERFORMANCE AND LIFE-CYCLE COST ANALYSIS OF SUSTAINABLE ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE (UHPC) FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study investigates the integrated performance and life-cycle cost efficiency of sustainable Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) for infrastructure applications in developing economies. The research aims to address the limitations of conventional concrete in aggressive climatic conditions by developing a UHPC mix incorporating locally available supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). Experimental testing assessed mechanical and durability properties including compressive, flexural, and tensile strength, as well as chloride and sulfate resistance. Results demonstrated that the sustainable UHPC achieved an average compressive strength of 162 MPa, exceeding conventional concrete by more than 300%, and showed a 93% reduction in chloride permeability, indicating exceptional durability and corrosion resistance. A complementary Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) using the Net Present Value (NPV) approach revealed that, despite an initial volumetric cost increase of 2.2 times, UHPC becomes more economical after 35 years of service, yielding a 24% overall cost saving over a 100-year lifespan. Environmental assessment confirms the mix's sustainability, exhibiting a 47% superior eco-efficiency index (4.56 kgCO₂e/m³/MPa) compared to conventional concrete by leveraging industrial by-products to minimize carbon intensity per unit of performance. These findings highlight UHPC as a technically superior, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable material for long-lasting infrastructure in Pakistan. The study provides crucial evidence for policymakers and engineers to adopt UHPC as a strategic solution to enhance the durability, sustainability, and cost efficiency of national infrastructure.

Keywords : Environmental Performance, Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), Pakistan, Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs), Sustainable Infrastructure, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC)