"Graphenea, Lantania and UPM develop graphene-enhanced additive for cement and concrete"

Graphenea, Lantania (an international group that builds large transport, water and energy infrastructures) and the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) recently developed a graphene-enhanced additive that enhances the expected useful life of concrete by 50%, as well as its resistance to adverse environmental conditions and its mechanical behavior. After verifying its effectiveness in the laboratory, the new additive was tested on a non-structural element of the Almudévar Reservoir construction project.The test was conducted by adding an improved graphene admixture to concrete with a 30 MPa compressive strength. Its overall efficacy was evaluated during mixing in the concrete plant, when still fresh and through noting the effects on the concrete during transport and placement. Mechanical behavior and durability tests in aggressive environments were then carried out.