ISU, Iowa DOT Testing New Concrete Formula

Iowa State University and the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) have been working on a new formula for a blend of concrete about five to six times stronger than the traditional mix, according to a report in the (Ames, Iowa) Tribune.

Called “ultra-high performance” concrete, the mix is a blend of sand, cement, water and small steel fibers, the Tribune reports.

According to the report, in addition to being stronger than traditional concrete, the mix is also about 10 times more expensive. However, proponents justify the cost because its added strength means not as much is needed, Brent Phares, associate director of ISU’s Bridge Engineering Center tells the Tribune.