Analyzing Economic Viability of High-Performance Concrete in Structural Engineering

High-Performance Concrete (HPC) represents an advanced evolution of traditional cement concrete, where the selection and proportioning of constituent materials are meticulously optimized to enhance performance characteristics in both fresh and hardened states. Among its notable advantages is superior compressive strength, which translates into significant structural efficiencies. This research undertakes a comparative cost assessment of the three principal components involved in structural member construction—namely, concrete, reinforcement steel, and formwork—with the primary objective of evaluating the economic feasibility of adopting higher-grade concrete in structural systems. The focal point of this study is to validate that utilizing high-strength concrete for critical load-bearing members, particularly columns responsible for transmitting axial loads to foundations, offers a structurally and economically optimal solution. To achieve this, the study examines pivotal mix design parameters influencing concrete strength, such as water-to-cementitious ratio, total cementitious content, cement-to-admixture ratio, and the dosage of superplasticizers, to arrive at efficient mix proportions suitable for high-grade concrete. While conventional structural design aids cater to concrete strengths up to Fck = 40 N/mm², this work advances the design methodology by developing supplementary design curves through MATLAB programming for concrete grades up to Fck = 70 N/mm² and steel grades Fy = 250 N/mm² and Fy = 415 N/mm². These new curves aim to support structural engineers in adopting high-performance concrete solutions that are both technically sound and cost-effective.