The present invention relates to improved concrete elements, particularly to high-performance self-compacting concrete (HP-SCC); to cementitious compositions suitable for producing such concrete elements; to methods of manufacturing such concrete elements and such cementitious compositions; to the use of specific additives in concrete elements and cementitious mixtures. The inventive compositions comprise an effective amount of polymer fibers and of hydrogels. The inventive concrete elements show improved fire resistance, particularly towards explosive spalling.