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Researchers Make Bendable Concrete
karvind writes "PhysOrg is reporting that scientists from University of Michigan have developed a new type of fiber-reinforced bendable concrete. The new concrete looks like regular concrete, but is 500 times more resistant to cracking and 40 percent lighter in weight. Tiny fibers that comprise about 2 percent of the mixture's volume partly account for its performance. Also, the materials in the concrete itself are designed for maximum flexibility. Because of its long life, the Engineered Cement Composites (ECC) are expected to cost less in the long run, as well." Michigan roads must make the perfect test cases for this stuff, and I look forward to their improvement.
Tiny fibers in concrete seem very similar to compounds that used asbestos.
As the concrete is degraded these fibers will be released to the environment, and tiny fibers tend to make very good respiratory tract irritants (to say the least).
BTW, I bet demolition crews will hate the stuff...
... fiber-reinforced bendable concrete.
Does that mean this thing is a load of shit?!