Researchers at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have invented a new type of concrete that is flexible yet stronger than traditional concrete. Named ConFlexPave, the concrete "allows the creation of slim precast pavement slabs for quick installation, thus halving the time needed for road works and new pavements," according to the press release.
According to the inventors, the new concrete will cut down on on-site work and construction time, as well as reduce inconveniences caused by road maintenance. Precast ConFlexPave slabs are much thinner and lighter than traditional concrete slabs, so they can be more easily installed.
The new concrete uses polymer microfibre which allows the material to bend under pressure and improves skid resistance. According to the lead researcher, Assistant Professor Yang En-Hua, the "key breakthrough" was understanding "how the components of the materials interact with one another mechanically on a microscopic level."
“The hard materials give a non-slip surface texture while the microfibres which are thinner than the width of a human hair, distribute the load across the whole slab, resulting in a concrete that is tough as metal and at least twice as strong as conventional concrete under bending,” said En-Hua.
3 Comments
"the new concrete will cut down on on-site work and construction time, as well as reduce inconveniences caused by road maintenance." = fewer workers
Fiber reinforced concrete has been around for a while now, but it's still interesting to hear about these developments. Would love to be able to read a technical summary of their specific design.
I really wonder if ConFlexPave is feasible for hurricane areas like Florida - Luis Doporto Alejandre -
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