r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Nov 03 '19

Chemistry Scientists replaced 40 percent of cement with rice husk cinder, limestone crushing waste, and silica sand, giving concrete a rubber-like quality, six to nine times more crack-resistant than regular concrete. It self-seals, replaces cement with plentiful waste products, and should be cheaper to use.

https://newatlas.com/materials/rubbery-crack-resistant-cement/
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u/McVoteFace Nov 03 '19

That’s false. Concrete is the preferred material for designing long lifespans in roadways. Asphalt has to nearly double the thickness of concrete to reach its lifespan. The problem most DOTs are seeing with concrete is joint deterioration as a result from brine

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u/Byzii Nov 03 '19

Exactly. All the salt and brine is eating it all away. Few roads that are not salted regularly are in much better shape.

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u/HawkMan79 Nov 03 '19

To bad it eats tires and spreads all that yummy micro plastics and rubber around. And the lack of any grip when wet.

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u/JDub8 Nov 03 '19

all that yummy micro plastics

People are rolling on plastic tires? The future is now I guess.

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u/HawkMan79 Nov 03 '19

Read the whole post did we? Tires aren't made from 100% natural rubber. And the rubber that's on them doesn't really break break down