The future of concrete

Not a common topic for this blog: concrete. On the other side, innovation in building materials is fascinating to follow. Now that are buildings become larger and larger, innovation is needed to keep up. Concrete is the material of choice for new tall skyscrapers, but one of the negative aspects of the material is that it blocks light. And dark buildings are not comfortable for the people living and working in the inside spaces. A new kind of concrete LiTraCon was invented in 2001 and combines concrete with optical glass fibers. The new material has the same strength as ordinary concrete, and the effect is spectacular: walls can be erected and light can shine right through it.

Another innovation is adding photocatalysts to the concrete, small elements that break down dirt and other pollutants into harmless molecules like water and oxygen. As a result, the concrete becomes self-cleaning and stays white for ages. This method is also used in self-cleaning glass that makes it easier to maintain buildings.

Even the EU is promoting innovation in this sector, as it consumes almost 40% of all energy according to Cordis, the innovation research directorate. New ways of working and/or the use of innovative materials have to decrease this demand substantially.