Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen • August 2018 | Page 11

Are Changes for Precast
Concrete on the Horizon?
via ConstructionTech
Experts from the
University of Exeter,
www.exeter.ac.uk,
Exeter, U.K., have
developed a new
technique that uses
nanoengineering
technology to
incorporate graphene
into traditional concrete
production. This
material is twice as
strong, four times more
water resistant than
exiting concretes, and
can be used directly
by the construction
industry on building
sites. The new material
also reduces the
carbon footprint
of conventional
concrete production
methods, meaning it
is more sustainable
and environmentally
friendly. Previous work
using nanotechnology
has concentrated on
modifying existing
components of
cement. The university
research team insists
that this new method
could lead to other
nanomaterials to be
incorporated into
concrete, which will
alter the construction
industry worldwide.
This research will
additionally change
how construction, and
off-site manufacturing,
are done in the future.
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AUGUST 2018 • DITCHMEN
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