The future of concrete. Where do we go from here?
Concrete has been around in various forms for thousands of years. Concrete continues to be a building material that demonstrates durability and architectural ingenuity, as seen in the Sydney Opera House and the Pantheon in Rome. The Nabataeans began using hydraulic lime cement around 700 BC, which is one of the oldest examples.
Don’t be fooled; today’s concrete is not the same material. Emerging concrete technologies provide distinctive solutions that other building materials simply cannot match, especially as demand for almost all types of construction continues to grow. Precast concrete offers the fast, affordable, and environmentally friendly construction of the future. Here’s a look at some of the innovations driving the precast concrete sector.
The future of concrete. Improvements in concrete production
Precast production techniques can benefit from advances in mechanical and digital technologies. Building Information Modeling (BIM) is proof that 3D modeling has evolved significantly in the digital age. When creating BIM, the model can store information from several systems, allowing access to all project details in one place. This saves time and reduces the possibility of error at every stage, from idea to design to finished product. BIM provides up-to-date, easy-to-read information on precast concrete products that is shared and received from production during project execution. By providing accuracy from concept to construction, BIM technology helps reduce costs and keep projects on track.
3D printing of concrete has become an efficient and environmentally friendly construction method as technology has advanced. Concrete is poured in layers according to digital plans and specifications. Complete buildings can be prefabricated at a reasonable cost using 3D printed concrete, which produces no waste. This method is ideal for low-cost housing, as it drastically reduces both costs and construction time. Prefabricated silicone or rubber molds can be fully customized and reused in future projects, another advantage of 3D printing.
Increasing the strength and resistance of concrete
Ultra-high-strength concrete (UHPC) has been used since 1980 and is becoming increasingly available. With a life expectancy of 100 years, UHPC is often used only in infrastructure projects such as bridges. Its compressive and tensile strengths are 2-10 times higher than those of conventional concrete. The material also has the added advantage of requiring less complex construction and maintenance because it is so strong. Precast UHPC represents a significant cost and performance innovation in the construction industry because of its potential for use in various types of structures.
Concrete structures can last longer thanks to the invention of self-repairing concrete. To preserve the structure, any damage must be repaired very quickly, as even the smallest crack can cause the integrity of the concrete and steel reinforcement to deteriorate. When organically produced limestone-producing bacteria are mixed into the concrete and exposed to the atmosphere through a crack, the bacteria can produce a healing limestone that fills the damaged area. This option is ideal for small to medium-sized structures that are expected to last a long time, as the bacteria can survive in concrete for up to 200 years.
Exploring concrete’s new potential
Innovations in concrete are even giving it new properties. One method is to add light-emitting cement to concrete. The sun’s energy can be captured during the day and released as light for up to 12 hours each night by using polycondensation to turn the cement’s microstructure into a gel. Highways, bridges, and pavements that require lighting can benefit from the addition of this cement to the concrete composition. When outdoor lighting is required, light-emitting concrete is a sustainable substitute because it does not require energy. In addition, the cement has a lifespan of about 100 years, so structural maintenance will be minimal if the concrete is maintained.
As this technology develops, it can be used in parking structures, commercial or residential buildings, and more.
Precast concrete has several advantages, including inexpensive cost, quick construction, long life, and less labor on site. As technology advances, concrete will become more efficient and flexible.
And will concrete from the future still be able to be cleaned with BETOFF products?
Of course, it will! Our fluids are timeless!
