New concrete bends, heats up and repairs small cracks
Testing how much the concrete will bend (Photo: Michigan State University)
18 October 2024 – Engineers at Michigan State University developed a concrete mix that is flexible, produces heat and can heal itself. The material stores energy and releases heat when temperatures approach freezing. This helps reduce ice on roads and lowers the need for salt. Small cracks repair themselves, which cuts maintenance costs. The concrete is designed as a thin layer on top of existing pavement, extending road life and reducing frost and salt damage. Lab tests showed that thin layers still worked well and kept their flexibility. The next step is testing the material on real roads.
