According to TASS on August 7, researchers from Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov have developed a fine-grained concrete that offers twice the service life of traditional materials under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions. The press service of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education told TASS that Russia has no similar achievements to date.
The report states that scientists from Belgorod Shukhov State Technological University have created a mixture for producing fine-grained concrete with enhanced heat resistance. This advancement improves the durability of concrete products and structures in high-temperature and high-humidity environments.
According to the news agency, the invention is designed to increase the heat resistance of concrete, enabling it to maintain its properties under combined thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical loads. The development extends maintenance intervals from 3–4 years to 7–10 years, reducing material costs for repairs and restoration work, which in turn lowers overall operational expenses. The ministry explained that, based on 2025 prices, potential savings on maintenance work could reach up to 79.5 million rubles (for a real-world designed cooling tower).
The news agency further reports that prolonged exposure of concrete products and structures to high-temperature and high-humidity conditions leads to a significant decline in their physical and mechanical properties, with changes occurring in structure, porosity, and the phase composition of the cement matrix. Similar degradation occurs in cooling towers, diversion tunnels, and other infrastructure at thermal power plants and nuclear power plants that comes into contact with hot water or steam. Traditional concrete products and structures in such conditions may begin to deteriorate after just three to four years of service. The scientists’ goal was to enhance the heat resistance of concrete.
Notably, prior to this development, no research had been conducted in the field of building materials on the durability of concrete under high-temperature and high-humidity conditions. Although this type of corrosion has been studied in depth by grouting specialists, building concrete differs fundamentally from grouting materials in composition and production technology. The invention pertains to the construction materials sector and can be used to produce concrete and reinforced concrete products intended for environments exposed to hot water or steam.
