Engineers at Michigan State University have developed a flexible, self-healing, heat-producing concrete capable of being an environmentally friendly option for roads in terms of snow and ice removal.
The common flaws of traditional concrete pose challenges to construction companies and environmentalists. Because it is rigid and brittle, concrete is prone to cracks that require expensive repairs and can put its structural safety at risk.
Recently, a group of engineers from Michigan State University developed a new type of concrete more flexible which can increase the durability of this material and reduce maintenance costs.
“This can revolutionize the concrete industry and our entire infrastructure,” said Qingxu “Bill” Jin, a professor at the North American university, in . “This technology could be a solution for underserved or rural communities with limited access to snow and ice removal options, providing a safer and more sustainable solution during the winter months.”
Concrete is often used in roads and sidewalks due to its strength and durability. However, freezing and thawing of water can create faults and snow plows often cause surface damageresulting in very expensive repairs.
During the winter, salt is often used to melt ice on roads and sidewalks, but chloride is corrosive and damages concrete. Furthermore, all the remaining salt ends up in groundwater, causing serious environmental concerns.
“This concrete can be used as a protective layer on the floorreducing or even eliminating the need to use salt”, highlighted Jin. “Due to recent climate changes causing more extreme weather conditions, we needed to come up with innovative ways to remove ice from roads.”
This self-heating concrete material stores more energy than conventional materials. When air temperatures drop to temperatures close to freezing, the material releases this stored energy as heat, making it ideal for clearing ice and removing snow from roads and sidewalks.
Additionally, the fact that it is highly flexible allows it to flex under tension, which significantly reduces the likelihood of cracking. This flexibility gives you resistancemaking it ideal for roads, bridges and other high voltage applications.
When microcracks occur, the material reacts with water and carbon dioxide to form compounds that fill them, restoring the integrity of the concrete and extending the useful life of the structures.
The team performed multiple tests to verify the material’s performance, and the results demonstrated that this concrete can withstand real-world conditions, offering superior functionality compared to traditional alternatives.
