Smart Concrete Can Melt Snow, Ice Using Electric Current

Researchers have discovered a new miracle concrete that can melt snow all by itself, according to the Daily Mail.

Developers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have created a conductive concrete by a altering the makeup of standard concrete. The result is a new material that can clear away snow without salt or snow plows using its self generated electrical current, according to the UNL press release.

The Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the material and its results. If approved, the new development could change U.S. airports forever, according to eeDesignIT.

"To my surprise, they don't want to use it for the runways," creator Chris Tuan said of the government's intended usage for the concrete. "What they need is the tarmac around the gated areas cleared, because they have so many carts to unload - luggage service, food service, trash service, fuel service - that all need to get into those areas."

"They said that if we can heat that kind of tarmac, then there would be (far fewer) weather-related delays. We're very optimistic," he added.

Cities and towns bogged by snow may have to continue to wait, however, as the developed technology is not yet cost-effective enough to spread across a large area.

"It's not cost-effective to build entire roadways using conductive concrete, but you can use it at certain locations where you always get ice or have potholes," said Tuan.

Tags

Snow, Ice, Roads, Travel, University of Nebraska-Lincoln