Flexible concrete: A new approach to pavement materials

As modern society is striving to become more sustainable and environmentally friendly, the need for more durable constructions with longer life cycles is increasing. On the other hand, the functional properties of constructions -such as pavements- need to remain at least at the same level or even outperform the current ones as higher quality standards are introduced. Currently used material solutions often fail to provide a combination of adequate durability and functional properties. This means that the limits of these materials have been reached and therefore a new approach to more durable and functional pavements should be taken. In this study a new composite concrete based material –“Flexible concrete”- was designed for longer life cycle as well as excellent functional performance. Concrete performance was measured using tests for both concrete material - compressive and bending strength development- and asphalt material – tensile strength, stiffness and fatigue (four point bending test) and shear strength (Leutner test). The results proved that the material behaves adequately in all tests. The properties developed makes “Flexible concrete” an excellent material for more durable (concrete) pavements.