###### Abstract  
This study develops a new type of decorative bridge panel by ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) based on the project of the Guangyangwan Bridge. First, the numerical analysis was carried out using MIDAS and ABAQUS to find the critical position of the bridge and decorative panels. The numerical results showed that the last concrete cantilever segment had the greatest vertical deflection, and the corresponding panel had the greatest stress response. Based on the numerical results, this study conducted a series of full-scale, self-balanced bending tests to examine the crack resistance of six UHPC panels and six glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GRC) panels with varying curved section thicknesses (from 25 to 40 mm). The experimental results indicate that, due to the high strength of the UHPC matrix and the wall effect of steel fiber distribution, the crack resistance of UHPC panels is significantly superior to that of GRC panels. UHPC panels possessed superior stiffness and ductility, while GRC panels showed brittle fracture when the curved section thickness reached 34 mm. The uniaxial tensile cracking strength of UHPC with a steel fiber volume fraction of 1.6% was 14.7% greater than that of GRC with a glass fiber volume fraction of 5%. At the same curved section thicknesses, UHPC decorative panels exhibit cracking loads and ultimate loads that are 64.3% to 123.0% and 29.2% to 115.0% greater than GRC panels, respectively. Hence, UHPC is more suitable to produce ultra-thin decorative panels for bridges that are subjected to severe environmental action and external forces. b +
Footnote †: journal: _Sci._  
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steel fibers on the cementitious matrix [9]. This attribute is particularly beneficial for thin decorative panels. Moreover, UHPC possesses a \"self-healing\" property. The steel fibers interlacedly distribute within the UHPC crack, which can close the UHPC crack when the tensile stress decreases due to the elastic retraction of steel fibers [10]. Additionally, the water-to-cement ratio of UHPC is very low, indicating that there is more cement in the unit volume of UHPC. Once the micro-crack emerges, the unhydrated cement can react with water in the ambient environment and produce hydrates to fill the UHPC micro-crack [11]. Therefore, UHPC can extend the service life of structures and reduce maintenance costs. Furthermore, UHPC, after high-temperature steam curing, experiences minimal long-term shrinkage and creep during its service life [12; 13]. Consequently, compared with GRC, UHPC is a more suitable choice for decorative panels, especially those demanding superior mechanical properties and durability. Recent global applications of UHPC in fabricating facade decorative elements for buildings include the curtain wall of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Cultures in Marseille Saint-Jean Port, Marseille, France, the shaped concrete facade of the Italian National Pavilion at the Milan Expo 2015, and the curtain wall of the exhibition center of Yue Cai City in Shenzhen [14]. Research on ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) facade panels extends beyond practical applications. [PERSON] et al. [15] investigated the impact resistance of differently colored UHPC facade panels, revealing their ductility and exceptional impact resistance. [PERSON] et al. [16] explored the integration of digital technologies in supporting the project delivery process for building facades using prefabricated UHPC panels. [PERSON] et al. [17] compared reactive powder concrete (RPC) facade panels with various inner reinforcement materials ranging from steel fibers (UHPC) to fiber textile grids, establishing a sustainable approach for RPC in thin-facade elements. Additionally, [PERSON] et al. [18] introduced a mineralized foam (MF)-modified UHPC showcasing a blend of robust bearing capacity and insulation properties. Applications and research underscore the significant application potential of UHPC in the structural decoration field.