Embracing Innovative Concrete Technologies

7 Futuristic Trends Shaping Concrete Technology

Like any other industry, the concrete industry also requires constant enhancements and improvements to increase efficiency and work productivity. There are ongoing challenges, such as rising construction costs and a shortage of skilled workers. The US Commercial Construction Index reports that over 90 percent of contractors, builders, and construction managers struggle to find skilled and experienced labourers.

Concrete contractors are utilizing several cutting-edge developments in concrete technology to get around obstacles at work, boost production, and raise the calibre of the projects and services they offer. Below is a list of these trends:

Smart Equipment

Intelligent equipment is highly recommended for improving the production process and enabling predictive maintenance. This includes using IoT sensors and GPS trackers in concrete construction. Contractors can utilize these tools to monitor cement mixers and other equipment used in construction. They can easily receive alerts and efficiently address any issues with associated assets. 

Foremen have found GPS trackers particularly useful when cement trucks are in use and on the move. The data these trackers provide empowers foremen to plan jobs effectively, especially when dealing with delays. This helps them manage their tasks more efficiently and make adjustments as needed.

Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC)

UHPC is a new industry trend known as the latest concrete technology. It includes innovative ingredients, like fibre and 80% traditional concrete. The fibres, such as stainless steel and polyester, add durability and strength to the end products. Compared to traditional concrete, UHPC has a longer lifespan of usefulness, lasting over 75 years, whereas traditional concrete typically lasts 15-25 years. 

UHPC also has other benefits, including remarkable resistance to environmental degradation, moisture penetration, and high flexibility and adhesiveness. Enumerated below are some additional qualities of UHPC:

• Freeze/thaw resistance: UHPC retains its substantial properties after 600 freeze/thaw cycles.
• Abrasion resistance: UHPC demonstrates excellent abrasion resistance, twice as much as normal concrete.
• Chloride permeability: UHPC has low chloride migration compared to normal concrete, with less than 10%.
• UHPC is commonly used in bridge construction and has various applications, including field-cast closures, bridge decks and overlays, precast concrete piles, security, blast mitigation, and pre-stressed girders.
  
  

Graphic Concrete

Graphic concrete uniquely combines design and visual interest. This technology is commonly used on precast concrete to create patterned surfaces and apply various images. The concrete is just as durable as regular concrete and lasts long. Adding graphic concrete to projects makes them more appealing. It prevents plain concrete from looking boring or dull.

The Graphic Concrete pattern is made entirely of concrete, ensuring maximum durability. Remember that high-quality concrete lasts longer, while poor-quality concrete doesn't. The patterns themselves don't affect the durability but rather the quality of the concrete mix used. Graphic concrete is also environmentally friendly. The recyclable membrane used doesn't emit harmful chemicals or gases. Additionally, solvent-based materials and dust production during production can be reduced.

Concrete 3D Printing

Nowadays, we can create unique concrete designs that were not possible before. One of the advantages is the ability to build affordable homes for lower-income families. It also greatly reduces the production time for projects. The construction of concrete structures and architectural features is usually time-consuming and expensive. 

We can produce structures faster and with much less time investment with concrete 3D printing. This has been a useful resource for architecture ever since it was first developed. Almost everything can be 3D printed, including concrete blocks, walls, and more, even for large-scale projects. 

Take into account these examples of what 3D printers can create:

• 
  3D printed bridges
• Unconventional 3D-printed structures
• 3D-printed architectural features
• 3D printed houses
• 3D printed art
  
  

Self-healing Concrete

When concrete develops cracks, water and air can penetrate, speeding up its degradation. What if concrete could stop this degradation and heal itself?

Building cracks are a common and recurring issue that anyone can easily notice, as they typically appear on the surface. There are several reasons why cracks form suddenly:

Improper covering during the concreting process.

• Application of heavy loads.
• Insufficient vibration during concrete laying.
• Erosion caused by reinforcement steel.
• Settlement of the structure.

While it can sound strange, innovations in the construction industry are bringing about positive changes, including advancements in concrete. Self-healing concrete is being developed with new mixtures and is a repair material for existing structures.

Off-site Construction

Off-site construction refers to fabricating, designing, and assembling different elements at a location separate from the actual construction site. One common technique used today is precast/prefabricated concrete. This involves repetitive work with multiple workers at various sites.

Typically, this approach is reserved for larger and more complex projects. Contractors ensure that workers become proficient in specific tasks. However, having a crew schedule to track each worker's progress while working independently but collaboratively is important. Construction crew management is also necessary for real-time collaboration and constant communication.

Off-site construction is particularly suitable under the following conditions:

• Limited space at the construction site.
• Weather conditions at the site can cause project delays.
• Risks and issues related to vandalism.
• Projects with tight deadlines that need to be met.
• Safety concerns due to extreme cold, heat, or working at greater heights.
  
  

Light-Emitting Cement

There is now a type of cement that can absorb and radiate light. This innovative cement can illuminate areas like bridges, roadways, and bike paths without electricity. How does it work?

During the day, the cement absorbs solar energy. Then, it emits light for around 12 hours continuously. However, to make this possible, the crystallization in the cement needs to be removed. This allows light to pass through the cement freely, just as expected.

Hire the Leading Maple Ridge Concrete Company Near You

Concrete technology is undergoing significant advancements with the emergence of seven futuristic trends. These innovations pave the way for a more advanced and sustainable future in construction and infrastructure development.

Are you searching for “concreting companies near me” or just looking for the chief “concrete company near me”? Look no further, Maple Ridge Concrete & Paving is your trusted partner for all your concrete and paving needs. Our team of concrete contractors at Maple Ridge delivers exceptional results that exceed expectations. 

Contact us today for a free consultation. Experience the difference with Maple Ridge Concrete & Paving.