First Use of UHPFRC in Thin Precast Concrete Roof Shell For Canadian LRT Station

Hundreds of light rail transit (LRT) stations are being planned built, and expanded across North America . In designing these commuter facilities, architects and engineers are faced with numerous considerations , including cost, durability, sustainability, public safety, and design limitations. This article looks at the first use of ultra high performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) materials in a thin precast concrete roof shell for the new Shawnessy LRT station in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The article describes the properties of a new generation of UHPFRC materials that offer a unique combination of high strength and ductility in a highly moldable product with excellent surface characteristics. The successful use of UHPFRC in the Shawnessy station has demonstrated additional benefits, including: Greater durability properties, providing longer life use expectancies and less maintenance than other traditional construction materials; conservation of materials by using recycled and recyclable materials under certain sustainability programs and certifications; and reduction in global construction and life cycle costs through elimination of mild steel reinforcement, smaller construction components, and increased speed of construction.