Sustainable concrete pillars intertwined with green vines.

Double Structure Concrete: A Sustainable Revolution in Construction?

Theo Raines in Climate & Environment June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets of double structure formation in concrete and discover how this innovative technique is transforming the construction industry with enhanced durability and eco-friendly practices."

For decades, the construction industry has relied on concrete as a foundational material. Now, innovative techniques are emerging to enhance its properties and sustainability. One such advancement is the concept of 'double structure' concrete, which involves modifying concrete composites by filling their pores with polymers. Traditionally, this has been achieved using monomers like styrene and methyl methacrylate.

While polymer-modified concrete exhibits superior strength and resistance to aggressive environmental factors, the production process poses significant challenges. The toxicity and flammability of impregnating materials have long been a concern, hindering widespread adoption. This has spurred research into safer and more sustainable alternatives.

Recent studies highlight the potential of technical vegetable oils (TVO) as an effective and eco-friendly impregnating material. TVO offers a simplified technology with reduced risks. Research indicates that TVO treatment can significantly reduce water absorption, enhance strength, and improve frost resistance, marking a substantial leap towards sustainable construction practices.

Technical Vegetable Oil (TVO): A Greener Alternative for Concrete Modification

Sustainable concrete pillars intertwined with green vines.

The exploration of technical vegetable oils (TVO) as an impregnating agent represents a paradigm shift in concrete modification. TVO, derived from renewable resources, presents a compelling alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers. Its use significantly reduces the environmental footprint associated with concrete production, aligning with the growing global emphasis on sustainable infrastructure.

Studies have demonstrated that TVO, when heated to temperatures between 130-140°C, can polymerize within the concrete matrix without additives. This process enhances the concrete's inherent properties, offering a cost-effective and straightforward solution for improving its performance. The simplicity of TVO application makes it particularly attractive for widespread adoption in various construction projects.

Reduced Water Absorption: TVO treatment can decrease water absorption to less than 1%, preventing moisture-related damage.
Enhanced Strength: Modified concrete exhibits a strength increase of up to 40%, improving structural integrity.
Improved Frost Resistance: TVO significantly enhances frost resistance, extending the lifespan of concrete structures in cold climates.
Sustainability: TVO is a renewable resource, reducing the environmental impact compared to traditional polymers.

The method of modifying concrete with TVO was initially developed using grade 400 concrete, composed of cement, water, and filler. The specific composition includes a cement consumption rate of 409 kg/m³, water at 193 kg/m³, and filler at 1,873 kg/m³, resulting in an average density of 2,169 kg/m³ and a hardness of 55s. This tailored approach ensures optimal performance and durability of the modified concrete.

The Future of Concrete: Sustainable, Durable, and Innovative

Double structure concrete modified with technical vegetable oils represents a significant advancement in sustainable construction. By enhancing the durability and resilience of concrete structures, while minimizing environmental impact, this innovative approach paves the way for a greener and more sustainable future. As research continues to refine these techniques, we can anticipate widespread adoption and transformative changes in the construction industry, ensuring longevity and environmental stewardship.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1051/matecconf/201711700015, Alternate LINK

Title: Concrete Composites Of Double Structure Formation

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: MATEC Web of Conferences

Publisher: EDP Sciences

Authors: Yuri Bazhenov, Lev Аlimov, Viktor Voronin

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is double structure concrete and why is it important?

Double structure concrete is an innovative technique where the pores of concrete are filled with polymers to enhance its properties. This modification aims to improve the strength, durability, and resistance of concrete structures, making them more resilient to environmental factors. This is significant because it addresses the limitations of traditional concrete, offering a more sustainable and long-lasting construction material.

What are Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO) and how are they used in concrete?

Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO) are being explored as a greener alternative to traditional petroleum-based polymers in double structure concrete. TVO is derived from renewable resources and reduces the environmental footprint of concrete production. When heated, TVO can polymerize within the concrete matrix, enhancing properties like strength and frost resistance, without needing additional additives. The use of TVO helps to promote sustainability within the construction industry.

What are the benefits of using Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO) to modify concrete?

Using Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO) to modify concrete offers several key benefits. It significantly reduces water absorption, enhances strength by up to 40%, and improves frost resistance. Additionally, TVO is a renewable resource, making it a more sustainable option compared to traditional polymers. These improvements extend the lifespan of concrete structures, reduce maintenance needs, and lessen the environmental impact of construction.

What are the challenges associated with traditional polymer-modified concrete?

The traditional method of creating polymer-modified concrete involves using monomers like styrene and methyl methacrylate. However, these materials are toxic and flammable, posing significant challenges and risks during the production process. This has limited the widespread adoption of polymer-modified concrete and spurred research into safer, more sustainable alternatives like Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO).

What is the typical composition of concrete when modified with Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO)?

The composition of concrete modified with Technical Vegetable Oils (TVO) typically involves a specific mix design, like grade 400 concrete. This includes cement, water, and filler in precise proportions (e.g., 409 kg/m³ of cement, 193 kg/m³ of water, and 1,873 kg/m³ of filler). This results in an average density of 2,169 kg/m³ and a hardness of 55s. TVO is then applied and heated to polymerize within this matrix. The specific composition ensures optimal performance and durability of the modified concrete.