Researchers Make Bendable Concrete 399
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.
A keyboard? (Score:4, Funny)
Roads? Hah (Score:5, Funny)
Re:A keyboard? (Score:5, Funny)
concrete trampoline? (Score:5, Funny)
Like most of life's problems... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Roads (Score:2, Funny)
What have Jell-O shots got to do with it?
KFG
A little too late (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Forget architecture. (Score:2, Funny)
Concrete is just the next logical step.
Re:replacing 2% volume reduces weight by 40%? (Score:1, Funny)
Negitive mass
Re:Yes but... (Score:5, Funny)
No, but because of it's bendability, it can actually dodge incomming plains.
Idea Terrorist deterrent (Score:1, Funny)
Headlines Plane hits building....
Today the newly launched Airbus [portalbrasil.net] was hijacked by an unknown group of radical loons just before 3.00pm EST. After the terrorists seize control of the cockpit they flew the plane into the side of the world tallest building 'the humgo ercto 'standing over 675m in height built in 2006 housed in a flexible concrete sheath. The building stood the attack, bystanders claim the plane hit the build folding into a pile of scrape metal. One claimed the building swayed a full football fields length as it took the blow. The bad news is as the ball of molten steel fell from the sky it took out the 3 Skyscrapers below ;(
Re:Roads (Score:3, Funny)
Don't ask me how to apply that material to roads, though.
Sure as I c'n set a wireless tower in the holler, I c'n say that there a'int no way to freeze the roads south of Virginny!
The look... (Score:5, Funny)
747: 5m $US
Razor Blade to hijack plane: 2.95 $US
The look on Osama's face as the plane bounces off the building: priceless.
Re:Yes but... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:A keyboard? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Earthquake-proof buildings (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Buildings (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Yes but... (Score:5, Funny)
Concrete galoshes... you mean cement overshoes? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Yes but... (Score:3, Funny)
What, we're worried now about people crashing Oklahoma into buildings as an act of terrorism?