As major sports venues across the United States face the growing threat of 'concrete cancer', Kryton International, a leading provider of Smart Concrete solutions, is stepping forward with a potential cure that could revolutionize the construction and maintenance of these iconic structures. The company's research into recent structural failures, such as those observed at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions in concrete technology.
'Concrete cancer', more technically known as alkali-aggregate-reaction, occurs when water penetrates concrete containing reactive aggregates. This process leads to microscopic cracks that, while invisible to the naked eye, can cause significant concrete degradation and rebar corrosion. The result is a drastic reduction in the lifespan of affected structures, including beloved sports venues nationwide.
Kevin Yuers, Kryton's vice president of product development, emphasizes the severity of the issue: 'Though invisible to the naked eye and easily overlooked, the effects of these microscopic cracks are often underestimated until the situation escalates and becomes a serious problem.' Yuers points out that this condition is entirely preventable when concrete is mixed with permeability-reducing and self-healing additives that repair microcracks as they form.
The timing of this revelation is particularly crucial as the United States prepares for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and other major sports facility developments, such as the new Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas for the relocated Oakland A's. These projects present a critical opportunity to implement Smart Concrete solutions that can ensure the long-term durability of these structures.
Kryton's Smart Concrete technology, developed over the company's half-century existence, offers a promising solution. Research studies conducted at the University of Hawaii and the University of Ottawa have demonstrated the effectiveness of Kryton's Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM), a hydrophilic crystalline admixture that creates permanently waterproof concrete. The studies found that KIM is highly effective in repairing microcracks as they form, preventing water and other elements from corroding concrete and rebar from the inside out.
The implications of this technology are significant. Sports venues built with Smart Concrete additives could potentially see their lifespans extended by decades. Kauffman Stadium, for instance, which was completed just over 50 years ago, could have benefited from an additional 50 years of life expectancy had these technologies been available at the time of its construction.
Despite the clear advantages, Yuers notes that some developers still opt to forgo Smart Concrete additives to control up-front construction costs. This decision, however, often leads to much more costly and structurally catastrophic consequences in the long run. 'I truly believe that when sports franchises and even taxpayers invest $1 billion to build a world-class stadium, it shouldn't come with an expiration date,' Yuers states. 'There are cost-effective solutions that ensure these facilities outlive all of us.'
As the construction industry moves forward, particularly with the impending Olympic preparations and other major sports facility developments, the importance of adopting these innovative concrete solutions cannot be overstated. The potential impact extends beyond just the longevity of the structures; it also encompasses safety considerations, long-term cost savings, and the preservation of iconic venues that hold significant cultural and historical value.
The revelation of concrete cancer as a widespread issue in major sports venues, coupled with the availability of a viable solution, marks a pivotal moment in the construction and maintenance of sports infrastructure. As cities and sports organizations invest billions in new facilities, the adoption of Smart Concrete technology could redefine standards for durability and sustainability in construction, ensuring that the next generation of sports venues stands the test of time.
