Part I: Knowledge of the material. Microstructure of high performance concrete. The use of superplasticizers in high performance concrete. Ultrafine particles for making very high performance concretes. A mix performance method for high performance concretes. High performance concrete supplied by a network of ready-mix concrete plants. Engineering properties of very high performance concrete. Creep in high and very high performance concrete. Bond properties of high performance concrete. Monitoring of the chemical and mechanical changes in high performance concretes during the first days. Large reduction of deflections due to high performance concrete. High performance concrete - engineering properties and code aspects. Testing high performance concrete. Mixing and casting HP and VHP concrete in the laboratory. Part II: Durability. Durability of high performance concretes: alkali-aggregate reaction and carbonation. Durability of high performance concrete in relation to 'external' chemical attack. Frost durability of high performance concretes. Permeability, as seen by the researcher. Permeability: the owner's viewpoint. HPCs and the alkali-silica reactions. The double role of pozzolanic materials. Accelerated carbonation: Comparison between the Joigny Bridge, high performance concrete and an ordinary concrete. Part III: Construction. The French National Project 'New Ways for Concrete' - objectives and methodology. From material to structure. High performance concrete in tunnel linings. High performance concrete in nuclear power plants. Full scale use of high performance concrete in building and public works. The development of high performance concrete in North America. Experimentation: the key to a research-development strategy in civil engineering. The Joigny bridge: an experimental high performance concrete bridge. Experimental monitoring of the Joigny bridge. High performance concrete underpinning of the great Hassan II Mosque. Prefabrication of high performance prestressed concrete building components. Offshore application of high performance concrete space frame. High performance light weight aggregate concrete in blast resisting structures. High performance concrete in the arch of the bridge over the Rance. The Roize bridge. Index.