The threat of 'concrete cancer', or alkali-aggregate-reaction, in major sports venues across the United States has prompted Kryton International to introduce innovative Smart Concrete solutions. This development is particularly timely as the construction and renovation of sports facilities accelerate in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and other significant projects, including a new Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas.
'Concrete cancer' has recently come under scrutiny following incidents at venues such as Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. This condition arises when water infiltrates concrete containing reactive aggregates, leading to microscopic cracks that can drastically shorten a structure's lifespan. Kevin Yuers, Kryton's vice president of product development, highlights the often-overlooked severity of these microcracks, stating, 'Though invisible to the naked eye and easily overlooked, the effects of these microscopic cracks are often underestimated until the situation escalates and becomes a serious problem.'
Kryton's solution, the Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM), has undergone extensive testing at the University of Hawaii and the University of Ottawa, proving its efficacy in repairing microcracks as they form, thus preventing water ingress and concrete degradation. With the 2028 Olympic Games approaching, the implementation of such Smart Concrete solutions is critical. Yuers emphasizes, 'When sports franchises and even taxpayers invest $1 billion to build a world-class stadium, it shouldn't come with an expiration date. There are cost-effective solutions that ensure these facilities outlive all of us.'
The situation at Kauffman Stadium, now facing significant structural challenges just over 50 years after its completion, underscores the potential of Kryton's technology to extend a stadium's lifespan by another 50 years. Despite this, some developers opt to forego Smart Concrete additives to minimize initial costs, a decision Yuers warns could lead to 'much more costly and structurally catastrophic consequences years later.'
As the construction industry evolves, especially in sports venue development, the emphasis on long-term structural integrity has never been more critical. Kryton International's Smart Concrete technology presents a viable solution to 'concrete cancer', promising to transform the construction and maintenance of sports infrastructure for future generations. For further details on Kryton's innovations, visit https://www.kryton.com.
