Nanostructured concreteWe’ve all heard of nanobots and nanotechnology, and the many advantages they’re providing in both the medical and technology sectors, but nanostructured concrete?

A team of scientists at Peter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) has created a building process that utilizes nanostructured concrete.

“The concrete is capable of increasing the load-carrying capability by more than 200 percent and decrease in specific density of the construction by 80 percent. “

That’s not the only advantage, though. Research has also proved the material to hold up well against freezing temperatures and even natural corrosion that takes place over time.

We took a moment to ask McNeil Engineering’s Matthew Roblez, S.E., SECB for his insight and opinion on this new discovery.

Here’s what he had to say:

“I can’t wait to see this technology become mainstream. I see a future use in parking structures across the intermountain west where we have such a swing in climates. Facility maintenance expenses can account for as much as 25% of the total facility expenses, sometimes as much as $75/space. Using a concrete like this could reduce this cost significantly and save hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance.”

Matt makes a great point – with the wide array of temperatures in places like Utah and Colorado where it can be sunny and warm one day and snowing the next, this new technology has plenty of amazing applications.

We’ll be watching to see how this new technology is used and implemented around the world. It’s definitely an exciting time for our industry!