Key Facts
• Ando Hazama, Nagoya University, and Sekisui Chemical developed advanced concrete technology.
• The technology uses “concretion” properties to enhance durability and self-repair cracks.
• Concretion agents mixed with cement materials reduce water permeability via calcium carbonate.
• Target applications include radioactive waste facilities and aging infrastructure.
• Tests showed 1.5x strength increase after one month of water curing.
• Artificial cracks were filled with gray-brown calcium carbonate during trials.
• Porous samples treated with liquid concretion agents improved water resistance after 3 months.
• Significant permeability reduction was observed compared to pre-treatment levels.
Summary
Ando Hazama, in collaboration with Nagoya University and Sekisui Chemical, has developed a groundbreaking technology to significantly enhance concrete durability. By leveraging the properties of “concretion,” the method involves mixing granular concretion agents with cement materials to enable self-repair of cracks using calcium carbonate, while also reducing water permeability. Practical applications include radioactive waste disposal facilities and aging infrastructure. Tests demonstrated a 1.5x increase in compressive strength after one month of water curing, with artificial cracks successfully filled by calcium carbonate. Additionally, porous samples treated with liquid concretion agents showed substantial improvements in water resistance after three months, marking a major advancement in concrete technology.
