How to specify UHPC tiles and panels: a checklist
Specifying UHPC well means being clear on performance, appearance and evidence. Use this checklist to brief manufacturers and compare proposals on a like-for-like basis.
1. Define the application
- Location: interior wall, floor, facade, terrace, wet area
- Area in m², panel sizes and any special shapes
- Building height, exposure and use class
2. Set performance requirements
- Minimum flexural and compressive strength (with test standards)
- Reaction-to-fire classification
- Freeze–thaw and water absorption requirements for external use
- Slip resistance for floors and wet areas
- Wind load and fixing requirements for facades
3. Define appearance
- Colour, finish and texture references
- Acceptable variation, agreed with physical samples
- Joint widths and layout
- Mock-up requirements for large projects
4. Request documentation
- Technical data sheets and declarations of performance
- Fire classification reports
- Structural calculations and fixing details
- Installation, maintenance and warranty documents
- EPDs if sustainability reporting is required
5. Plan procurement
Allow time for samples, mock-ups and production lead times, which are often longer for custom products. Order from a single production run where possible for colour consistency. When you are ready, send us your brief and we will connect you with suitable manufacturers.
Performance vs prescriptive specifications
A performance specification states what the product must achieve (strength, fire class, slip resistance, appearance) and lets suppliers propose solutions. A prescriptive specification names a product. Performance specifications encourage competition; prescriptive ones give certainty on appearance. Many projects use a hybrid: performance requirements plus a named reference product “or equivalent approved”.
Common specification pitfalls
- Specifying strength without the test method
- Approving colour from a single small sample
- Forgetting fire classification for the sealed product
- Not allowing time for mock-ups and custom development
- Leaving fixing design responsibility unclear
Who does what
Clarify responsibilities: who designs the fixings, who checks structural calculations, who produces panel schedules, and who approves samples. Clear responsibilities prevent delays and disputes later.
A simple timeline
- Concept: hand samples, indicative pricing, feasible sizes
- Developed design: fixing strategy, facade engineer, fire evidence
- Technical design: panel schedules, calculations, specification
- Pre-construction: sample range approval, visual mock-up
- Construction: production, delivery, inspection, installation
Frequently asked questions
- Should I name a specific UHPC product?
- Naming a reference product helps define appearance, but allowing approved equivalents can improve price and availability.
- When should manufacturers be involved?
- As early as possible — ideally at concept or developed design — so panel sizes, fixings and costs are realistic.
Related
- Specifiers →For specifiers: the performance data, documentation and testing to request when writing specifications for UHPC tiles and cladding panels.
- Fire performance →How UHPC concrete tiles and panels behave in fire, what reaction-to-fire classifications mean, and what evidence to request when specifying for facades.
- Strength & thickness →How UHPC's compressive and flexural strength allow thin tiles and panels, what determines the thickness you need, and what to ask manufacturers.
- Cost factors →What drives the cost of UHPC concrete tiles and panels — size, thickness, finish, customisation, volume, fixings and logistics — and how to get an accurate quote.
- Facades & rainscreen cladding →Thin, lightweight UHPC facade panels and cladding tiles for ventilated rainscreen systems. Strength, durability and design freedom for commercial and residential buildings.