Researchers have developed a new type of hollow concrete that is 5.6 times stronger than traditional concrete.
The design is inspired by human bones, which have a honeycomb-like structure that makes them resilient to cracks and breaks.
The new concrete has hollow tubular structures within it. When cracks form, they are stopped at the tubes rather than propagating through the entire material.
This mimics how cracks are directed along “cement lines” in bones for a preferable stress path.
Early tests show a huge 560% increase in strength compared to regular concrete, without needing fiber additives.
Varying the orientation, size, and shape of the hollow tubes could further improve the material’s strength properties.
The researchers believe this is just the beginning and more optimizations are possible to the design.
Inspiration from nature, like coffee or bone structures, can provide novel ways to enhance the performance of concrete through simple geometric designs.
Source: BGR
