Scientists develop bendable concrete

Scientists from the Nanyang Technological Institute (NTU) in Singapore have invented a new type of concrete that has bendable properties along with high strength and durability.

Developed by NTU scientists working at the NTU-JTC Industrial Infrastructure Innovation Centre (I3C), the new type of concrete, called ConFlexPave, is stronger and longer-lasting than conventional concrete.

The bendable concrete product is expected to facilitate the creation of slim pre-cast pavement slabs for quick installation, thus reducing by half the time needed for road works and new pavements. Being more sustainable, ConFlexPave requires less maintenance.

It is specifically engineered to have certain types of hard materials mixed with polymer microfibres, which not only allow the concrete to flex and bend under tension, but also enhance skid resistance.

ConFlexPave has been successfully tested as tablet-sized slabs at NTU laboratories. It will be scaled up for further testing over the next three years at suitable locations within JTC’s industrial estates and in NTU, where there will be human and vehicular traffic.