ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The main advantage of DUCON (DUctile CONcrete), a patented 3-D micro-reinforced, selfcompacting Ultra High Performance Concrete, is its ductility in combination with high compressive and flexural strength. This paper describes the properties and recent applications of DUCON. The material proved to have exceptional advantages as explosion resistant and bullet/fragment proof material. Explosion tests performed showed high energy absorption and ductility, i.e. no failure and no fragment projectiles. Special sniper projectiles which easily penetrate standard reinforced concrete can be stopped by DUCON panels. The main field of applications and projects realized so far are therefore the protection of critical infrastructure, such as military and public buildings, embassies, power plants, banks and data centers and ammunition storage tanks. Here, DUCON is used in new structures or for retro-fitting of existing structures in slabs and walls (fragmentation protection), for column protection, protective elements, etc. Moreover, other engineering and architectural projects realized such as industrial overlay, retro-fitting of columns for earthquake protection, slim façade panels and interior design elements show the great variety in applications of the material.
