Using bacteria to make self-healing cement
It is a common phenomenon for the traditional concrete to crack, requiring maintenance and reparations before reinforcement starts to corrode. Luckily, it seems that Delft University microbiology professor Henk Jonkers has found the solution to this problem. Inspired by nature, he developed ‘Bio-concrete’, a new type of material that brings together biology and civil engineering and could save billions in construction costs by improving the lifespan of buildings, bridges and roads. "It is combining nature with construction materials. Nature is supplying us a lot of functionality for free - in this case, limestone-producing bacteria’’, says the professor.
This new construction system allows affordable and easy to build concrete walls of any shape, thickness and size
The company claims that about half the time or less is needed to erect a residential structure compared to the time it takes to build using the traditional methods
57-Story Skyscraper Built in 19 days!
Broad Sustainable Building, a construction company in China, recently built a 57-floor, 2-million-square-foot skyscraper in just 19 days. That is an average of three floors per day. The building has 19 10-meter-tall atriums, enough office space for 4000 people and 800 apartments. The structure is made up of prefabricated sections that reduced the use of concrete by 15,000 trucks, which translates into less dust released into the air.
Video: 'Thirsty' Concrete Absorbs Water!
The cement Topmix is designed to have a super-absorbent masking surface that allows water to seep through it instead of sitting, in an effort to combat flood.
Concrete that traps CO2 emissions for good
A new method to produce concrete that traps harmful CO2 emissions and increases the compression strength is implemented by Carbocure, a Canadian Start-up company.
Microspheres can improve concrete's mechanical properties
Researchers have developed micron-sized calcium silicate spheres that could increase concrete's strength and reduce its environmental footprint.
A material to protect constructions from natural disasters
A new 3D cementitious panel is introduced as a material that could protect houses from natural disasters.
Longest 3-D printed concrete bridge opened in Shanghai
Shanghai hosts the longest 3D-printed bridge made of concrete in the world.
4 methods to repair active cracks in concrete
The four most efficient methods to repair active cracks in concrete are presented below.
3D printed buildings presented in China's industrial park
A Chinese construction company brings a revolution to the global building and construction industry, introducing a pioneering building philosophy, based on recycled building materials and a giant 3D printer. Read more on this new building technique that promises drastic reductions in cost, building time and required labour!
