Standards & calculation methods

Ductal® belongs to the family of ultra-high-performance fiber reinforced concretes (UHPFRC). In recent years, numerous studies have been carried out on UHPFRCs in various countries around the world, resulting in published reports/papers containing recommendations for design and structural calculations which form an important reference guide for the construction of UHPC structures.

In France - in 2002, the Interim Recommendations for Ultra-High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete was drafted and published by AFGC/SETRA A new version of this document is currently being finalized. These recommendations, validated by various inspection bodies, are an adaptation of the BAEL and BPEL calculation rules and allow evidence to be provided for conventional structures like beams, columns and slabs constructed with Ductal®. These structures may be reinforced, prestressed or have no passive reinforcement at all.

In Japan, a similar report was drawn up by the JSCE (Japan Society of Civil Engineers) in 2004.

In Australia, a recommendation report specific to Ductal® was prepared by the UNSW (University of New South Wales) in 1999.

In the USA, the FHWA (Federal Highways Administration) published "The Material Property Characterization of Ultra-High Performance Concrete ("FHWA-HRT-06-103").

In addition, a working group from the fib (International Federation for Structural Concrete) was formed in May 2004. This group is made up of partners from various countries including Germany, the Netherlands, France, Canada, the USA and Japan and aims to draw up a standardized document of recommendations for the calculation of UHPFRC structures. This document, inspired by Eurocode 2 for concrete, is planned for publication in 2010.

Architectural applications generally require a design note. These elements are subject to acceptance by inspection and certification offices and authorities -- based on evidence often supported by trials.

In France, non-structural elements must undergo a Technical Investigation carried out by the inspection authorities, an ATEX (assessment of experimental engineering) or a Technical Authorization. The last two certification processes are provided by the CSTB (Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment).

The ATEX procedures and technical investigations have been applied to several Ductal® projects ( for example; washroom cubicles, tubs for bamboo and balustrades of the Tower Flower at the Asnières mixed development zone, sun-shades at the Université Claude Bernard in Lyon, beams of the Collège Felix Landreau in Angers, etc.).

In order to accelerate and simplify these administrative procedures, a technical evaluation of Ductal® with organic fibers has been supplied by the CSTB. This evaluation provides a complete collection of feedback for the material in a unique certified document whichserves as a reference guide for the ATEX, Technical Authorization and Technical Investigation processes.