The researchers from University of Michigan in Ann Arbor have made sensational invention, which is receiving huge acclaims from scientific communities. Yes, the university researchers have claimed that they have developed next-generation concrete, which is highly flexible and capable of healing its cracks using light moisture or rain water.

Victor Li of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and team of researchers including visiting scholar Yingzi Yang have announced that they developed new kind of concrete that is flexible enough to bend itself and capable enough to repair its cracks with simple rainwater.

According to researchers, what they developed is ultra flexible next-generation concrete that is capable of bending into a U shape without crumbling in pieces. The ultra flexible concrete can be used to make roads, dams, bridges and skyscrapers safer. The discovery of new concrete can help save a lot of money; it will help to keep building and bridges safe for longer and will cut maintenance costs.   

In the Journal of Cement and Concrete, the researchers reported that they took 15 years to develop the safer and stronger concrete composite, which can withstand damage from earthquakes and constant wear and tear. The researchers have explained that the new concrete composite develops hairline cracks, which allow the concrete to expand. It’s the hairline cracks that make the new concrete ultra flexible. When the dry powdery material in the cracks comes into contact with moisture or rainwater and carbon dioxide in the air, it creates heavy-duty glue that helps repairing the cracks. According to researchers, the heavy-duty glue forms a virtually unbreakable seal of calcium carbonate, the compound found in seashells, making the repaired concrete is more powerful and stronger than the original material.

The groundbreaking discovery of new self healing concrete is being heralded in the scientific circles. The scientists are saying that new discovery can usher in new era. The new self-healing is now being considered for use in irrigation channels in Montana.