In this episode, we talk to Matthew J. Bandelt, Ph.D., P.E., an Assistant Professor and Associate Chair of Graduate Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) about using emerging concrete materials, such as ultra-high performance concrete, in projects and how they test these materials to evaluate their performance. Engineering Quotes: Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Matthew: What is meant by ultra-high-performance concrete? How can some of the ductile concrete materials you work with improve the seismic performance of structural systems? How can these emerging concrete materials improve constructability and reinforcement detailing in projects? What are some of the benefits of using ultra-high-performance concrete for transportation infrastructure? What happens at the lab when you test these materials, and what kind of methods do they use to evaluate the performance of these materials? What is involved when working together with various American Concrete Institute committees to improve design guidance for structural engineers when applying these materials? What piece of final advice can you give young engineering students who are considering a career in structural engineering? Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About the Benefits of Using Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: Ultra-high-performance concrete is a class of concrete materials that have high-performing mechanical properties that improve its durability behavior. In compression, ultra-high-performance concrete has strengths in the range of 22 000 PSI or higher. Fibers are generally incorporated in tension scenarios to increase the tensile strength capacity of the ultra-high-performance concrete. It has a much higher strain and deformation capacity than regular concrete. Ductile concrete has two advantages over traditionally reinforced concrete in terms of seismic design. When properly engineered, they have a high rotational capacity in plastic hinge regions for seismic applications. It has excellent shear performance that will positively impact the shear demands in your project design decisions. You get these advantages while using less concrete material. The strength is so high in ultra-high-performing concrete that you can reduce section sizes. You have increased performance while reducing the amount of concrete material used in a building. In seismic-related matters, ductile concrete systems can significantly reduce the confinement reinforcement needed in a building. The fibers in the concrete take the place of the additional reinforcements. Ultra-high-performing concrete is used in the transportation industry on bridge applications. It is used to make the connections simpler. Combining ultra-high-performing concrete with precast elements can significantly speed up the construction process. There are two main benefits to using ductile concretes. They increase the construction speed by making things easier to build. They are also highly durable because it is difficult for water and more aggressive corrosive substances to move through the concrete system. A wide range of tests is done on ultra-high-performing concrete. Structural tests are done to evaluate the individual components subjected to monotonic or cyclical loading. Tests are done to see how different factors can influence plastic hinge behavior with these materials. Experimental testing is necessary but expensive. Numerical simulations are used to supplement the experimental tests performed. Durability testing is done by subjecting different specimens to aggressive chloride environments to see how they perform in situations like freezing and thawing. Getting involved with professional organizations is an interesting and rewarding...