Method Found to Double Concrete Strength
Scientists at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University) have developed a technology that uses ultrasound to nearly double the strength of concrete. This innovation will be in demand for the construction of both civil buildings and strategic infrastructure—ranging from runways and military facilities to projects in the oil and gas sector—where exceptionally strong materials are required.
Until now, the maximum concrete strength achievable with modern technologies was the M1000 grade. It possesses extremely high compressive strength—approximately 1,000 kg/cm²—and is used to build strategically important structures such as bridges, skyscrapers, dams, and mine shafts.
"To achieve even greater strength, we need to create a more uniform concrete structure and a very low water-cement ratio—the proportion of water to the mass of cement in the concrete mix," explained Alexey Dengayev, Associate Professor at the Department of Oil Field Development and Operation at Gubkin University.
With traditional methods, a portion of the cement would fail to react with water during the mixing process, creating micro-voids filled with material that did not contribute to strong bonds within the concrete matrix.
Scientists at Gubkin University proposed a technology based on controlled cavitation fields, generated by applying ultrasound to the concrete mix.
"Metaphorically speaking, the method allows us to 'shake up' the composition at the molecular level, altering the material's structure," said Alexey Dengayev.
In the first stage, dissolved oxygen is removed from the water; this reduces the porosity of the resulting concrete and, consequently, increases its strength. Next, the concrete mix itself is subjected to treatment: ultrasound generates micro-bubbles that collapse, creating micro-shock waves. These waves break up cement micro-clumps and activate the water, altering its acid-base balance. As a result, the concrete hardens faster and becomes denser.
Laboratory experiments have confirmed that ultrasonic treatment improves key concrete characteristics. Compressive strength increased 1.7-fold, while flexural strength nearly doubled. Additionally, the treatment reduced water separation—making the mix more homogeneous and workable—and accelerated both setting and strength development. Pilot-scale trials under real-world conditions demonstrated that the new technology reduces the unit production cost of the concrete mix by 5.2%.
According to the researchers, the technology does not require a radical overhaul of existing production lines and can be implemented using a mobile unit adapted to the specific conditions of any construction site.
