Previously, a yield strength of 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) was enough for concrete to be rated as “high strength,” with the best going up to 10,000 psi. The new UHPC can withstand 40,000 psi or more.

The greater strength is achieved by turning concrete into a composite material with the addition of steel or other fibers. These fibers hold the concrete together and prevent cracks from spreading throughout it, negating the brittleness. “Instead of getting a few large cracks in a concrete panel, you get lots of smaller cracks,” says Barnett. “The fibers give it more fracture energy.”

    • unexposedhazard@discuss.tchncs.de
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      17 hours ago

      The greater strength is achieved by turning concrete into a composite material with the addition of steel or other fibers.

      Fiber reinforcment is thousands of years old.

    • Fondots@lemmy.world
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      16 hours ago

      So I did not read the article because of a paywall I’m too lazy to circumvent right now

      But from OP’s summary, the main technology they’re talking about is concrete reinforced with steel or other fibers.

      And that’s definitely more advanced than “pyramid age”

      But it’s also pretty much a direct descendant of mud brick reinforced with straw which humanity has been using since well before the pyramids. Same basic concept, different materials.

      So yes and no.