Introduction

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is a transformative cementitious composites, with exceptional strength, durability, and ductility. Its optimized granular matrix, low water-to-binder ratio (≤0.25), and high fiber reinforcement create a dense microstructure, delivering compressive strength over 120 MPa, tensile strength exceeding 5 MPa, and remarkable toughness and long-term resilience

UHPC offers key advantages over conventional concrete. It solves issues like heavy weight, cracking, poor durability, and high maintenance costs. UHPC boosts structural strength and lifespan. It enables faster prefabricated construction and easier infrastructure repair. It also protects against extreme loads and environmental damage. These benefits make UHPC ideal for long-lasting infrastructure projects.

In recognition of this significance, the Journal of Highway and Transportation Research and Development (English Edition) (HTRD) is pleased to announce a special issue on “Ultra-high Performance Concrete and Innovative Application in Transportation Infrastructure” to be published in 2027. This special issue aims to solicit articles related to the application of UHPC in transportation infrastructure and promote the knowledge exchange in this field.

Objectives

This special issue is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of UHPC within transportation systems. It seeks contributions spanning fundamental material science, structural design methodologies, innovative construction techniques, and full-scale field implementations. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the use of UHPC in accelerated bridge construction, prefabricated modular elements, repair and strengthening of deteriorated components, and performance under severe operational and environmental conditions.

Scope 

This special issue welcomes original research papers, case studies, and review articles that address, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• Material innovations and enhanced performance of UHPC.
• Structural design and analysis methods for UHPC components in transportation infrastructure.
• Innovative construction applications, including accelerated bridge construction with prefabricated elements, and the development of high-performance connection details for rapid deployment.
• Use of UHPC for durable overlays, repair, and strengthening of existing deficient structures.
• Long-term fatigue and durability performance of UHPC elements.
• The role of UHPC in creating sustainable, resilient transportation systems through life-cycle analysis, circular economic principles.
• Structural performance and design of UHPC elements under extreme events, e.g., earthquake, fire, and impact loading.
• Case studies and applications of UHPC in transportation

Given the specific objective of this special issue, papers discussing the general structural applications of UHPC, or focusing mainly on the material characteristics of UHPC should have obvious evidence relevance to transportation infrastructure, otherwise it will not be considered for this special collection.

Submission guidelines:

Manuscripts should be original and not previously published elsewhere.

• All submissions will undergo rigorous peer review based on research merit and quality.
• Papers should be submitted through the journal's online submission system selecting the special issue “UHPC and innovative application in transportation infrastructure”. This is to ensure that your submission will be considered for this special issue instead of being handled as a regular paper.
• Your paper can be submitted via https://mc03.manuscriptcentral.com/htrd.
• Author guidelines: https://www.sciopen.com/journal/join_journal/submission_guidelines?id=1810149294156099586&issn=2095-6215
• HTRD manuscript template: https://www.sciopen.com/journal/join_journal/submission_guidelines?id=1810149294156099586&issn=2095-6215#a1

Special submission requirements:

An article processing charge (APC) of CNY6,000.00 applies to papers accepted after peer review.

An APC discount will be offered according to the policy of HTRD. For details, please contact the editorial office or corresponding editor.

Submission Deadline: 2027-04-15
Expected Publication Date: 2027-06-15

Guest editors:

Prof. Jiaping Liu, Southeast University, China, liujiaping@cnjsjk.cn

Prof. Caijun Shi, Hunan University, China, cshi@hnu.edu.cn

Prof. Eugen Brühwiler, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Switzerland, eugen.bruehwiler@epfl.ch

Prof. Kang Hai Tan, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, ckhtan@ntu.edu.sg

Prof. Xiangguo Wu, Harbin Institute of Technology/Fuzhou University, China, E-mail: wuxiangguo@hit.edu.cn

Assistant Prof. Ye Li, University of Southampton, UK, E-mail: Ye.Li@soton.ac.uk

Associate Prof. Dong Zhang, Fuzhou University, China, E-mail: zhangdong_ce@fzu.edu.cn

Dr. Fangmei Huang, Fujian University of Technology, fangmeihuang@fjut.edu.cn

 Corresponding editor

Dr. Fangmei Huang, Fujian University of Technology, fangmeihuang@fjut.edu.cn