SPECIAL CONCRETE EDITION

WORLD OF CONCRETE
2020

IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

The Blue Book Network’s Exclusive Magazine and BuyersÕ Guide

ANALYTICS:
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 SPECIAL EDITION
WORLD OF CONCRETE 2020
TheBlueBook.com

10
CONTENT
FEATURES
10 Ultra-High Performance Concrete
Ultra-durable concrete technology boosts
structural resilience

22 A Cut Above
Advanced Coring & Cutting Corp. reaches for
prestigious, challenging projects

34 Permeable Concrete
High-porosity concrete options offer environmental
& financial benefits

44 Breaking Through Walls

ARA Contractors, Inc. changes the face of demolition

34 50 Self-Healing Concrete
Recent advancements in self-healing concrete bring
age-old concept into the future

DEPARTMENTS
4 President’s Message 20 The Who’s Who Connect
6 Editor’s Message 30 Project Pilot

22
A crew from Advanced Coring
& Cutting Corp. at work at
the Kinder Morgan, Inc. storage
facility in Perth Amboy, NJ.
50 Photo: Advanced Coring
& Cutting Corp.

ARA Contractors, Inc. frequently teams

with Unlimited Environmental, Inc.,
an industry leader in demolition
and remediation.

Photo: Unlimited Environmental, Inc.

44
 T
he Blue Book Network ® Intelligence and
Analytics team focuses on discovering the
trends and data relationships that drive labor
Crystalline
and materials throughout the construction waterproofing can
supply chain. Leveraging the extensive Blue Book Network
improve durability
of project information, connected companies and key con-
tacts--as well as construction documents that list prod- and performance of
ucts and brands--the team conducts research and analy-
concrete structures
sis to provide your business with important insights. We
help you make informed, data-driven decisions. Research and remains one of the
results are shared with the industry through published ar- most used autogenous
ticles, white papers and on our website.
self-healing concrete
In this Analytics to Build On piece, we will take a look at products worldwide.
Self-Healing Concrete. The Pantheon in Rome was built
as a temple by Hadrian around 117 A.D. and is still in
use today, 2000 years later. Why? Perhaps because the
Romans knew something about concrete that we don’t, Autogenous healing relies on the presence of water as
thus our pursuit of self-healing concrete today. Let’s well as unhydrated cement. In the early life of a concrete
find out more. structure, water enters the formation and hydrates cement
particles, naturally (intrinsically) filling microcracks. Later
SELF-HEALING CONCRETE in the life of the concrete, water and carbon dioxide react
Sounding more like the plot to a sci-fi thriller than the to create calcium carbonate (limestone), a natural sub-
latest technological advancement, limestone-generating stance that also fills microcracks. Concrete’s innate ability
bacteria may be the long-term solution the industry has of autogenous self-healing is limited, however, since it is
been searching for to address destabilization of concrete only effective with microcracks of 0.1 mm or less. That
due to cracking. Considered to be one of the industry’s would be fine if cracks developed first as tiny fissures
greatest challenges, early detection and management and developed slowly. But with exposure to forces such
of microcracking can dramatically extend the life- as freeze-thaw cycles, expansion and contraction, tensile
cycle of structures, resulting in greater public safety, de- loads, and deteriorating steel reinforcement, just to name
creased maintenance costs and a more sustainable and a few, larger cracks can occur quickly and growth of mi-
eco-friendly building material. Recent advancements are crocracks can outpace concrete’s intrinsic self-healing
bringing the 2,000-year history of self-healing concrete capability to form sufficient crystals to fill in the widening
into the future. gap. Because these forces effectively ensure that cracking
will continue to be a quality of concrete, it is not surprising
IS SELF-HEALING that advancements in self-healing concrete are focused
CONCRETE NEW? on early corrective action, repeatable healing and healing
Despite the recent buzz, concrete that can heal itself is of ever wider gaps.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ISTOCK.COM/KLOSFOTO

not a new idea. The Romans developed the first known

autogenous self-healing concrete, creating structures NEW APPROACHES TO
like the Pantheon and Colosseum that have lasted 2,000 AUTOGENOUS SELF-HEALING
years. Autogenous self-healing capabilities are intrinsic to The industry has taken a number of different approaches
the material itself, produced by altering the chemical or to repairing cracks in concrete. More traditional approach-
biological composition of the concrete mix. These early es involve fluid-applied waterproofing products, injection
builders mixed a form of lime mortar with volcanic ash, of healing agents directly into cracks and gap-widening
quicklime and water. As the concrete cures, the materials with concrete patching. These are primarily concerned
react to create a crystal formation that holds together the with sealing the concrete to keep water from penetrating
mortar and coarse aggregate. and widening the gaps.

POWERED BY THE BLUE BOOK NETWORK - WORLD OF CONCRETE 2020 SPECIAL EDITION 51
 Advancements in autogenous self-healing solutions AUTONOMOUS SELF-HEALING
include the use of additives within the cement mixture, When self-healing agents, whether chemical or biological,
such as microfibers, superabsorbent polymers (called are encapsulated or delivered via a vascular network, they
hydrogels) or pozzolanic materials like fly ash. The use are referred to as autonomous. These agents remain sepa-
of microfibers results in microcracks spidered with criss- rate from the formation until damage releases the healing
crossing fibers, thereby reducing the gap and allowing agent into the structure. Capsules contain minerals, epoxy
intrinsic self-healing (natural hydration of the cement or polyurethane. As a crack forms, these capsules are rup-
and the formation of calcium carbonate). Hydrogels tured. The polymer flows into the crack, bonding together
enable the absorption of huge amounts of water, up to the crack faces and healing the formation. In the case of
100 times their volume. When added to the concrete bacteria, a rupture to the capsule exposes the agent to
mixture, they swell, blocking the entrance of the micro- water, activating the generation of calcium carbonate.
crack. After swelling, the hydrogels desorb, providing The challenge with this particular technique is creating a
fluid to the surrounding matrix for autogenous healing. capsule that can survive the mixing and pouring process
Like hydrogels, pozzolanic materials promote autoge- yet is brittle enough and has a low enough tensile strength
nous self-healing of cracks. so the capsule breaks when needed. Further, the technolo-
gy must balance the need for a large number of capsules—
In 1969, Xypex, a Canadian company, ushered in crystal- to increase the chance for self-healing—with the potential
line waterproofing technology using a proprietary mix of impact on cost and on the resulting strength of the con-
chemicals that react with water to close cracks up to 0.4 crete itself from this added mixture.
mm. The product comes in several forms, allowing it to be
applied as a coating to existing concrete structures or as Another autonomous self-healing technique draws its
an admixture or dry-shake application for new concrete. inspiration from the human body. Vascular self-healing
As with standard self-healing concrete, crystalline water- relies on a network of hollow tubes embedded in the
proofing products react with unhydrated cement particles concrete matrix. These tubes contain the healing agent.
to form mineral-based “dendritic crystalline structures.” When cracks occur, these microcracks eventually lead to
Much of the self-healing benefit of crystalline waterproof- the vascular network, breaking the tube. The healing agent
ing is realized during initial concrete hydration and curing, then flows to the microcrack with the help of gravity or
although a sufficient amount of the product remains capillary forces.
in place to seal cracks appearing early in the life of the
structure. Additional product can be applied as a coating A vascular network can contain a single healing agent
to extend self-healing properties. Crystalline waterproof- in its tubes, or the system can contain multiple types
ing can improve durability and performance of concrete of healing agents delivered through several separated
structures and remains one of the most used autogenous networks. While capsules are self-contained, a vascular
self-healing concrete products worldwide. system can be connected to the exterior of the structure,
allowing the healing agent to be added from the outside.
One of the newest techniques to enhance intrinsic Like a capsule-based healing system, the vascular network
self-healing—and the one that is receiving the most atten- must be brittle, have a good bond with the concrete and
tion recently—involves the addition of mineral-producing must not compromise the integrity and strength of the
bacteria (Bacillus subtilis or Bacillus sphaericus), which concrete itself.
produce calcium carbonate when mixed with water. These
spores can survive for decades without food or oxygen WHERE IS IT USED?
and are able to withstand the high alkalinity of concrete Self-healing concrete, typically in the form of crystal-
as well as the mechanic stresses experienced during the line waterproofing, is frequently specified for sewer
mixing process. Once activated by water, the bacteria and water treatment projects, tanks, tunnels, roadways
feed on calcium lactate to form limestone. The bacteria and marine applications. This approach as well as
spores can be added to the wet concrete directly, but are other autogenous solutions, is considered to be more
often added to the wet concrete mix in the form of micro- efficient, cost effective, safer and easier to use in full-
capsules made from biodegradable plastic. scale applications.

52 THE WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION DISCOVER MORE @ WWW.THEBLUEBOOK.COM

 Self-healing concrete that is effective Netherlands. The healing agent was of microcracks provides a pathway
at filling larger cracks, not just for used in the construction of a large for liquids and gases. While concrete
waterproofing but to maintain struc- underground extension to the base- very rarely crumbles when it encoun-
tural integrity, is an emerging tech- ment of the palace, which will ulti- ters water, wind or stresses within
nology that is being extensively re- mately function as a museum. The its design capability, the growth of
searched and tested. Bacteria-based bacteria-based addition to the con- these microcracks can lead liquids
self-healing concrete has reached crete mixture is expected to repair and gases to the steel reinforcement
the commercial market. Dutch cracks autonomously and keep the placed within concrete. Corrosion of
company Green Basilisk employs structure watertight. the steel causes an expansion reac-
bacteria-based self-healing agents tion where rust occupies a greater
encased in polymer capsules or The product was also used in a volume than the steel, ultimately com-
mixed directly into the concrete. The project for the Port of Rotterdam in promising the integrity and durability
company carries three products: a 2017. The healing agent was added of the concrete formation.
healing agent for concrete mixtures, to the concrete mix in the construc-
a self-healing repair mortar and a tion of the water basin. Once sub- Concrete degradation not only
liquid repair spray. The bio-based jected to water contact, the healing impacts safety, but also requires
healing agent is mixed directly into agent precipitates the formation of major repair costs. While self-healing
the concrete mixture. The company limestone to heal microcracks. concrete may require an additional
recommends using the product for investment upfront, its costs are ex-
tunnel sections, fluid reservoirs, WHY IS IT pected to be offset in the long-term
basement walls, bridge decks and IMPORTANT TO by reducing the costs for mainte-
flooring systems. THE INDUSTRY? nance and repair.
As is commonly known, concrete
Applications include a 2019 project forms microcracks over time due to While biological self-healing concrete
for Het Loo Palace in Apeldoorn, The its low tensile strength. The formation is spreading into the market across

Cracks in concrete can lead to

corrosion of the steel reinforcement,
ultimately compromising the integrity
and durability of the formation.
PHOTO COURTESY OF BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM/KOONSIRI BOONNAK

POWERED BY THE BLUE BOOK NETWORK - WORLD OF CONCRETE 2020 SPECIAL EDITION 53
 Projects by Structure Type
Sewage / Water Treatment Plant 220
School / College / University 170
Non-Residential Building 103
Utilities 92

Hotel / Motel 63

Apartment / Condominium 48

Mixed Use 35

Park / Playground 35

Non-Building Construction 34

Restaurant 26

0 200

Table 1: Crystalline Waterproofing Projects 2014-2019 by Top 10 Structure Types

Source: Blue Book Network Intelligence & Analytics

Europe, the market in the U.S. has been slower to adopt impact on the environment. Today, the cement industry is
the technology. Self-healing concrete is expected to be the third-ranking producer of man-made carbon dioxide,
most beneficial in projects such as bridges, tunnels and accounting for up to 5% of the world’s total carbon dioxide
highways, where maintenance and repairs are extremely emissions. By creating longer-lasting, more sustainable
costly and maintaining the structural integrity of the con- structures, the industry could potentially decrease its pro-
crete over a long period of time is essential. duction and, in turn, reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Failure in a concrete structure like a bridge or tunnel is Autogenous self-healing products are being specified for
not only expensive to repair, but it is also a risk to public projects in the U.S. but not for the mineral-producing ad-
safety. Millions of Americans travel on a vast network of mixtures that enhance structural integrity as of yet. These
roads and bridges each day. But according to a new report products primarily use crystalline waterproofing coatings
from the American Road and Transportation Builders or integrated admixtures designed to reduce permeability
Association, more than 47,000 bridges in the U.S. are in of concrete to the passage of water. The biological-based
poor condition and in need of urgent repairs. Increasing agents capable of healing larger gaps and remaining
maintenance costs and transportation delays caused viable for up to 200 years have yet to break into the U.S.
by the poor condition of bridges and roads have a huge market. Overall cost of the product (either to import from
impact on the U.S. economy according to economists. Europe or develop in the U.S.) as well as limited research
into performance of the product is slowing adoption.
When microcracks form, self-healing concrete technolo-
gies can repair these cracks before they have a chance SELF-HEALING CONCRETE IN
to form larger cracks and channels that can ultimately THE BLUE BOOK NETWORK
corrode the steel reinforcement. By preventing these Table 1 lists the top 10 structure types from specification
pathways from forming, self-healing concrete lengthens searches for crystalline waterproofing products found
the life span of a structure and reduces maintenance and in The Blue Book Network. Commonly specified brands
repair costs. include BASF, Euclid, Kryton, Sika, Tremco and Xypex.

In addition to its impact on safety and long-term costs, In addition to use in foundations for waterproofing, crys-
self-healing concrete can also improve the industry’s talline products are often specified for sewer and water

54 THE WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION DISCOVER MORE @ WWW.THEBLUEBOOK.COM

 300
Project Trendline by Search Search Name
1.06 - Crystalline
Waterproofing 250

200

150

100
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Year

Table 2: Crystalline Waterproofing Projects 2014-2019 by Year Source: Blue Book Network Intelligence & Analytics

treatment plants, tunnels and exposed concrete where Table 2 illustrates the growth in specifications for crystal-
freezing can turn microcracks into substantial structural line waterproofing from 140 projects in 2014 to more than
concerns, such as parking facilities and other exposed double that in 2019. As with ultra-high performance con-
concrete decks. These products are also specified for crete, crystalline waterproofing offers solutions to aging
swimming pools, tanks, water retention installations and infrastructure with products that can be used to jacket
precast concrete components. concrete and extend the usable life of existing structures.
As bio-generated solutions being used now in other coun-
tries begin to prove themselves out, expect to see these
Top General Contractors of
bacterial-agent products used in important civil projects
Crystalline Waterproofing Projects
where structural integrity is required over longer and
longer infrastructure lifecycles. In the meantime, crystal-
General Contractors: State
line waterproofing will continue to fill the gap(s).
West Construction, Inc. FL

Integrated Construction FL
Table 3 shows the top general contractors who primarily
English Construction Co., Inc. VA use crystalline waterproofing in projects; the most active
KAST Construction FL concrete subcontractors are shown in Table 4; and the
March Associates NJ most active concrete suppliers who employ crystalline
Ortega Industrial Contractors FL waterproofing are shown in Table 5.
Del-Sano Contracting Corp. NJ

eciConstruction LLC PA Growth opportunity for self-healing concrete remains

Fortney & Weygandt, Inc. OH strong into 2020 with more than 4,500 bidding opportuni-
ties for sewers and water treatment facilities in 2019 and
Gorman & Co., Inc. WI
more than 15,000 bridge, tunnel and utilities projects. For
GPC, Inc. NJ
manufacturers, distributors and subtrades with experience
Nauset Construction Corp. MA
using crystalline waterproofing, federal, state and local de-
The Struthoff Co., Inc. TX
partments of transportation are good targets for infrastruc-
ture projects. In addition, the use of self-healing products in

Table 3: Top General Contractors (from Principals)

foundations, exposed decking, and similar concrete appli-
Source: Blue Book Network Intelligence & Analytics cations is expected to see a lift from the buzz generated by

56 THE WHO’S WHO IN BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION DISCOVER MORE @ WWW.THEBLUEBOOK.COM

 Top Concrete Subcontractors of
Crystalline Waterproofing Projects

Concrete Subcontractors: State

Concrete Protection & Restoration, Inc. MD

Structural Contracting Services, Inc. NY

Finley Asphalt & Concrete VA

Sanderson Concrete Construction FL

Duel Concrete Construction WI

North Star Foundations, Inc. MD

While self-healing concrete was first employed by
Cavan Construction Company Inc. PA the Romans in structures like the Pantheon and
Colosseum, technological advancements are taking
Compaction Grouting Services, Inc. PA self-healing concrete into the modern age.
D’Amico Concrete Construction, Inc. NJ

Elite Restoration, Inc. PA

Industrial Floorworks NY
bio-solutions and the prospect of extending the lifecycle of
Meyer Concrete Pumping & Conveyor Service, LLC IL
traditional concrete by 50 years or more.
Meyer Consulting Engineers Corporation MD

Structural Maintenance Systems, Inc. PA After researching this topic for our Network, I don’t think
we are catching the Romans quite yet, but it seems very
Table 4: Top Concrete Subcontractors clear we are making significant strides in extending the
Source: Blue Book Network Intelligence & Analytics
life of our concrete structures.

Additional details and analyses are always available exclu-

sively for our Blue Book Network Members. Be a step ahead
of your competitors by being part of the industry’s most
active and intelligent commercial construction network.
Top Concrete Suppliers of
Our Network Intelligence and Analytics team is eager to work
Crystalline Waterproofing Projects
with you to better understand the next “big thing” that will
Concrete Suppliers: State help you win more work and grow your business.
American Floor Systems, Inc. PA

East Coast Poured Floors FL

Hot Shot Supply CO

K & E Chemical Co., Inc. OH

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM/ LOVEPHY

Leesburg Concrete Company, Inc. FL

The Ark-Concrete Specialties, Inc. TX

American Eagle Concrete Sawing FL

Arco Concrete, Inc. CO

Atlantic Concrete Products, Inc. PA

Coral Cast Architectural Stone NY

Intron Technologies, Inc. FL Brian Tonry

Lee Commercial Contracting FL Vice President of Network Intelligence and Analytics
Rolling Plains Construction, Inc. CO The Blue Book Network
btonry@mail.thebluebook.com
800-431-2584 ext. 3632
Table 5: Top Concrete Suppliers
Source: Blue Book Network Intelligence & Analytics

POWERED BY THE BLUE BOOK NETWORK - WORLD OF CONCRETE 2020 SPECIAL EDITION 57