Technology: MuCEM in Marseille – Diaphanous and Structural Applications of UHPC
- Frank Kaltenbach
The MuCEM (musée des civilisations de L’Europe et de la Mediteranée) is the first building in which ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) has been employed in different applications, both as structural member and as sheathing, on a vast scale. Owing to its outstanding physical and chemical properties, UHPC is increasingly becoming an alternative to conventional structural materials. Testing shows it to be considerably more durable than standard concrete; its strength – approaching that of steel – is 6 to 8 times as high. In addition, the fine metal or synthetic fibres it contains give it exceptional tensional strength.
