10 Most Important Things That Will Happen In The Next 20 Years

Concrete has changed the world once, and it might be set to do it again.

Although it sounds dull as dishwater, a revolution in concrete technology could save us some serious cash. It is estimated that the cost of infrastructure repairs in the EU to bridges, tunnels and other essentials is costing us £4.2 billion a year.

The latest developments in self-healing concrete could be the answer. There are a couple of varieties at the moment that can repair hairline cracks in a matter of days before they become something more serious. It works by using one of its greatest weaknesses and turning it into a strength: water.

When water seeps into concrete, it can weaken it, causing it to crumble. Self-healing concrete uses this water as a catalyst to begin repairs. One variety invented by a guy called Hendrik Jonkers, uses self-activating limestone-producing bacteria. These bacteria can lie dormant for up to 200 years, but when they come into contact with water they wake up and start producing the limestone that fixes the cracks.

Another variety, developed by engineer Victor Li at the University of Michigan, fixes cracks and fractures using calcium ions that react with rainwater and carbon dioxide to create a calcium carbonate patch.

Mixing these wonder materials into our bridges, roads and even our homes could slash the cost of maintenance and ensure that our buildings begin to look after themselves.