Eureka project leads to innovative new type of concrete
A EUREKA project is developing a new generation of versatile, high performance concrete materials that should allow civil engineers, architects, pre-cast concrete manufacturers and even furniture designers to produce structures that are durable and lighter in weight. The €4 million E! 2829 INNOCONCRETE venture brought together five industrial partners from France and the Netherlands to build upon a promising new type of ultra high performance concrete called Ceracem and realise its commercial potential. 'We knew what the material was capable of, but we had to validate it scientifically,' says Philippe de Vriendt, Development Director of the project's main partner, French supplier of construction materials Sika S.A. Over the next 40 months Ceracem was assessed for its fatigue levels, resistance to fire, water and chemicals, recycling capabilities, stability and strength. The project members also experimented with different mixes of ingredients - aggregates, additives, cement and water - in order to optimise mixtures for specific applications. Synthetic fibres were also added to provide strength and flexibility and reduce any susceptibility to cracks. The team found the new, improved Ceracem to have a number of significant advantages over standard concrete, including being exceptionally fire resistant, waterproof, highly durable and as strong as steel. It also makes structures and components lighter in weight and generally less 'bulky', which in turn allows for greater flexibility and elegance in their design. 'With Ceracem, we can cast a very long beam that is both strong and a third of the volume and weight of one made from standard concrete,' explains Mr de Vriendt. This has been demonstrated on the toll gate roof of the Millau Bridge which spans the Tarn River in southern France. Although the material was initially manufactured for structural and construction purposes such as buildings, bridges and tunnels, its light weight, flexibility, smooth surface and ease of use have also made it popular among designers of contemporary furniture and bathrooms. 'EUREKA's support has been very important to us,' says Piet van Loenhout, Director of Dutch pre-cast concrete manufacturer Hurks Beton. 'The funding it provided was absolutely necessary to carry out the research. Without it, we would not have the scientific underpinning needed to validate Ceracem's impressive properties, such as its fire resistance, and demonstrate its commercial potential as an innovative new material.'
Countries
France, Netherlands