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Flexible concrete from Singapore could revolutionize paving with simple installation and superior durability to asphalt.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) are developing a new type of concrete that promises to revolutionize the construction industry. The material, known as Conflexpave, is a flexible concrete which could be a significant alternative to asphalt in the coming years. With the potential to reduce costs and increase the durability of pavements, Conflexpave could change the way we build and maintain roads and pavements.
What is Conflexpave?
Conflexpave is a type of flexible concrete developed to offer a more efficient solution for paving.
Unlike traditional concrete, Conflexpave is designed to be prefabricated in slab format.
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These plates can be installed more simply, allowing for quick and easy replacement of worn sections.
This not only simplifies the installation process, but also reduces maintenance time and cost.
Development and properties of flexible concrete
O development Conflexpave began in 2016 and involved a careful combination of traditional materials with modern additives.
According to Professor Chu Jian, one of the researchers involved, the new concrete can be produced with a smaller thickness and weight, making installation easier.
“We have developed a concrete that greatly reduces the thickness and weight of precast paving slabs. This allows new, off-site prepared slabs to easily replace worn-out ones,” says Chu Jian.
The secret behind Conflexpave lies in the combination of materials. Using gravel, cement, sand and water, the researchers added polymers that give the concrete flexibility and greater strength.
Professor Yang, who is also part of the research team, explains: “With a detailed understanding, we can select ingredients and design component tailoring so that the final material meets the specific requirements needed for road and pavement applications.”
Benefits and potential
Conflexpave not only promises a installation faster and easier, but can also bring significant benefits in terms of cost and durability.
The ability to quickly replace worn sections reduces the need for constant maintenance, which can save money in the long run.
Furthermore, the material’s flexibility can allow it to better adapt to changing weather conditions and traffic, increasing the pavement’s service life.
Flexible concrete testing and future
Although the advance Promising, Conflexpave is still in the testing phase. After initial development, the material needs to undergo three more years of testing on a larger scale.
These tests will be conducted in partnership with the JTC, a Singapore government agency responsible for industrial and infrastructure development.
The objective is to evaluate the performance of Conflexpave in real conditions and verify its effectiveness compared to traditional paving methods.
Continuous research and development is essential to ensure that Conflexpave meets expectations and can be adopted on a large scale.
If the trials are successful, Conflexpave could become a viable and competitive alternative to asphalt, offering a more durable and cost-effective alternative for paving roads and other infrastructure.
Conflexpave is an example of the potential of innovation in the construction sector.
With its improved flexibility and strength, this new type of concrete could become one of asphalt’s main competitors in the coming years.
If future tests confirm its qualities, Conflexpave could not only improve the efficiency and durability of paving, but also transform the way we approach infrastructure maintenance and construction.
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