Scientists find cure for concrete cancer

Durability and Design reported on UBCO engineering research that cures so-called ‘concrete cancer.’

Researchers can now calm a chemical reaction that has caused glass-fed concrete to weaken, expand and crack. This reaction is known as concrete cancer.

“Every year, millions of tons of glass bypass recycling centres and end up in North American landfills,” said associate engineering professor Shahria Alam. “Like many engineers, we are interested in making smarter building materials that can give the construction industry the resources they need without necessarily having to take new resources out of the ground.”