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/kiHrt Nov 03 '19

How is the compressive strength compared to traditional concrete mix?

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u/sailphish Nov 03 '19

This is the real question. Concrete has incredible load bearing ability, especially for its cost and weight. Sure the new stuff might be less brittle, but if it cannot hold up to compressive forces, it might not be an adequate replacement.

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u/watchoutfordeer Nov 03 '19

Fine for sidewalks and driveways though? Probably streets too, no?

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u/DragonFireCK Nov 04 '19

Sidewalks almost for sure. Loads there should be fairly minimal, excepting where it crosses a driveway.

Driveways, streets, and parking lots may be more of an issue as they might occasionally get heavy loads. It would really suck to rent a motorhome or do renovations and have to replace your driveway and the street outside. Similarly, having a semi take a wrong turn and require repaving a street could be a problem.

There is also the option of pervious concrete, which is good for maintaining proper water tables and dealing with heavy rains, but drastically weakens the concrete and can have severe problems with freezing. I have no clue how this stuff compares.