The use of high-performance concretes, ultra highperformance concretes, and additive manufacturing technology in increasing the ballistic protection level of field fortifications

High-Performance Concretes (HPC) and Ultra High-Performance Concretes (UHPC) allow for the production of extremely durable construction elements when compared to those same elements made of C35/45 concrete. Increased compressive- and flexural strength markedly contribute to ballistic resistance reducing the area and depth of the “crater” which results from a potential impact of a projectile or a fragment. Additionally, the presence of dispersed fibres in these mixtures eliminates the need of using reinforcement bars, which, in turn, reduces the time expenditure and labour. The article compares the results of various ballistic tests of elements made of high-performance concrete mixtures to determine the viability of applying such elements in the defence sector. Furthermore, the authors present the possibility of adapting additive technologies for the performance of field fortification tasks by the military, as part of which the HPCs and UHPCs are used as working mixtures. The authors also show the possibility of fabricating construction elements without the use of formworks, as well as printing construction elements directly at the site of future operation of the buildings.