Absorbent Thirsty Concrete

A company named Tarmac has designed a new type of concrete that can drink water faster than an elephant. On this episode we explore the invention of a new porous concrete.

Designed to absorb a lot of water, the topmix permeable concrete as it’s called, has many applications like during heavy rainfalls. This concrete reduces pooling and flooding of water as the water passes right through it. What makes this fast drainage possible is that the topmix concrete has high void content between 20-35% allowing water drain through into the sub-strata and dissipate naturally. This can be especially useful in areas known to flood preventing basements or ground floor homes from holding still water in them causing molding and damage.

Flooding in Britain in 2007 affected 57,000 homes. Heavy rain caused flooding but much of the water damage was due to sidewalks and roads directing water towards homes vs. taking water away from them. Currently with how our towns and cities are setup we have a full layer of earth under them that is able to absorb water, should we allow it to.

This new type of concrete can be used in systems both wanting the water to be distributed back to the soil or if it’s wanted to be captured and redirected elsewhere like a collection tank, irrigation system among other uses. This concrete is ideal for low volume residential roads, parking lots, bike lanes, tennis courts, swimming pool decks, road shoulders, driveways, alleys, and greenhouse floors.

The fast flow rate isn’t the only benefit, smoother walking and driving surface are a result of the porous surface giving a nice feel when walking or driving on it. This surface is ideal up to road speeds of 30 mph or 48 kph, there is a higher slip risk when driving faster than this on the topmix concrete. Because of the airspace gaps it is much cooler than normal concrete keeping areas with a lot of concrete like downtown cores cooler. It will also reduced water drainage costs, if a large amount of the water is being absorbed by the ground, drainage systems wouldn’t be overloaded reducing costs and protecting property during storms. Finally this concrete will help to improved water quality, gas and pollutants on the roadways are normally washed down into the water system vs going into the ground.

Definitely an invention to keep your eye on, who knows maybe there is already a slab of it poured near where you live today. What are your thoughts on this invention let us know in the comments down below.

Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wm4H65EDbE
https://www.tarmac.com/media/492738/hydromediabrochure28pp_rebranded_lowres1.pdf

Check out some of our other videos:

Top 10 Fruits You’ve Never Heard Of Part 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRdgPyZF45g&feature=youtu.be
Top 10 Fruits You’ve Never Heard Of
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKTej1u-7-0&feature=youtu.be

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Intro music thanks to Machinmasound:
Rallying the Defense:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruPk4RD19Nw

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