Identifying the Challenges of Large-Scale Adapting of UHPFRC to Use in Bridge Repair in Norway

Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) offers significant potential for rehabilitating aging infrastructure, especially in cold regions like Norway where freeze–thaw cycles accelerate deterioration. With compressive strengths above 120 MPa, high fibre content, and exceptional durability, UHPFRC enables structural upgrading without imposing substantial additional deadload. This article proposes six key steps that have facilitated successful international implementation of UHPFRC ranging from laboratory mix development to the establishment of national standards. The purpose is to evaluate why Norway has yet to adopt the material at industrial scale. While countries such as Switzerland, France, and the United States have followed a clear implementation pathway, Norway remains behind despite strong academic results, including locally developed mixes reaching 171 MPa. Remaining problems related to material logistics, risk allocation, and the absence of national guidelines continue to hinder broader deployment.