In the Engineering & Construction industry, pioneers aren't just participants—they’re innovators shaping the future. From addressing the challenges of sustainability and urbanization to driving efficiency in a traditionally slow-moving field, these visionaries redefine what's possible. Programs like the Innovative Product Awards at World of Concrete® celebrate groundbreaking advancements, spotlighting products and practices that transform the built environment. Discover what makes someone a pioneer, why recognition matters, and how innovation is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future in construction.

Desalination tanks are the backbone of water production in arid regions, but exposure to salt, brine, and shifting soils poses constant threats. While traditional coatings and cathodic protection help guard against corrosion, subsurface waterproofing membranes offer unmatched defense by preventing moisture intrusion from below.

In our latest post, we explore how subsurface membranes work alongside epoxy coatings and IoT-based predictive maintenance systems to deliver comprehensive protection. Discover why this hidden layer is becoming the gold standard for ensuring long-lasting tank durability, fewer repairs, and lower operational costs.

In our latest blog, we explore how cities across North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe are embracing green roofs to tackle climate challenges, enhance sustainability, and improve waterproofing systems. From New York’s stormwater management solutions to Singapore’s smart city green roofs and Germany’s energy-efficient architecture, the adoption of these eco-friendly rooftops is transforming urban infrastructure.

Learn how green roofs are becoming a global solution for sustainability, water management, and building resilience in a changing world!

Imagine a world where your building tells you when it’s about to spring a leak. In our latest exploration of cutting-edge construction technologies, "Smarter Waterproofing: How IoT Sensors are Revolutionizing Structural Health and Preventing Water Damage", we dive into the power of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. These advanced systems detect moisture levels and stress points in real-time, allowing for proactive maintenance that keeps infrastructure intact and disaster-ready.

This post builds on ideas we shared in "Revolutionizing Concrete: How AI is Making Construction More Efficient", where we explored the synergy of AI in streamlining construction workflows. Now, we expand into IoT’s role in structural integrity—showing how this tech not only extends building lifespans but also helps prevent costly water damage before it happens. Ready to learn how smart waterproofing is paving the way for smarter cities and safer infrastructure? Let’s dive in!

With so many options for concrete coatings and sealers—like epoxy, polymer, methacrylate systems, and various sealers—it can be overwhelming to know which is the right fit. Each product comes with its own set of advantages, limitations, and specialized uses, making it tricky to make an informed decision. In this post, we break down the key types of coatings, explaining their pros, cons, and applications to help you cut through the confusion and choose the best solution for your project.

This blog post explores proactive strategies for building hurricane-resilient structures in Florida’s coastal communities. Drawing insights from recent studies and historical examples from the Spanish Caribbean, it highlights the importance of effective waterproofing, proper material installation, and the use of durable building techniques like Portland cement. Learn how these preventive measures, coupled with stricter code enforcement and homeowner education, can protect homes and businesses from water damage and extreme weather.

At Alchemco, we believe that sustainability goes beyond just innovation—it’s about preserving our past to build a stronger future. In this blog post, we explore how cutting-edge technology like laser scanning and photogrammetry is being used to restore a 19th-century Italian bridge. This incredible project showcases the power of modern tools in preserving historical landmarks, ensuring that these architectural treasures continue to stand for generations to come. By blending history with sustainability, we’re embracing a future where both heritage and innovation thrive.

Imagine a world where discarded construction materials don’t just end up in landfills but are transformed into thriving marine ecosystems! In this post, we dive into a groundbreaking study that explores how recycled concrete, steel, and other waste can be repurposed to build artificial reefs, helping to restore coral habitats while reducing environmental impact. Discover how innovative designs could turn rubble into vibrant ocean life havens—and why this could be the future of both marine conservation and sustainable construction. Don’t miss out on this exciting eco-friendly solution!

At Alchemco, sustainability drives everything we do—including protecting infrastructure and water treatment systems. Recent research comparing nanofiltration (NF) and conventional methods (CONV-GAC) shows why this matters. Nanofiltration significantly reduces environmental impact, cutting emissions and chemical use. Traditional systems, by contrast, have over 12 times the impact on human health and climate change, with 5,400 times more harm to ecosystems.

Curious why this matters? Read the full blog post to find out how greener technologies like NF help us reduce our environmental footprint while providing essential services!

Explore how the AASHTO TSP-2 Innovative Technology Demonstrations (ITD) Program is revolutionizing the field of bridge preservation by introducing and implementing cutting-edge materials, processes, and equipment. This comprehensive initiative brings together state Departments of Transportation, industry innovators, and independent experts to ensure the most effective solutions are rapidly adopted to maintain and protect our nation’s vital infrastructure. From field demonstrations to monthly working group meetings, the ITD Program is at the forefront of ensuring our highways and bridges remain safe and resilient for the future.

A new approach for assessing the reliability of corroded reinforced concrete (RC) slab bridges has been introduced, focusing on the impact of corrosion on both the cross-sectional area of reinforcement and bond strength. This method combines non-linear finite element modeling with probabilistic analysis to estimate the likelihood of structural failure and serviceability issues. Using the first-order reliability method (FORM), the approach evaluates the bridge's ultimate strength and deflection under various conditions. The study highlights the significant effects of both general and localized corrosion on bridge performance. Future research aims to refine these models further, enhancing predictions of corrosion initiation and the impact of traffic and environmental factors.

In the high-stress world of wastewater treatment, even the toughest concrete structures can suffer severe damage. This blog post dives into a troubling case where pre-treatment tanks, exposed to intense pressures, experienced rapid epoxy coating failures and concrete corrosion within just two years. Discover how microbial activity and high vapor pressure led to unexpected deterioration, and learn about the critical measures needed to enhance the durability of these essential infrastructure components.

We’re always here to be your solution, but lets start at the source. Ever wondered why wastewater treatment plants need to be waterproofed in the first place? Discover how hard water plays a surprising role in protecting these structures from erosion. In this blog post, we reveal how water hardness helps form a protective layer on concrete, reducing damage and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure. Dive into the science behind concrete durability and learn how a simple factor can make a big difference in maintaining these vital systems.

Unlocking the Secrets to Concrete Durability: Discover how advanced waterproofing agents can revolutionize your concrete projects. Learn about the crucial factors influencing concrete’s longevity, including porosity, environmental conditions, and composition. See how these cutting-edge agents enhance surface hardness, reduce water ingress, and improve resistance to harsh elements. Dive into this comprehensive guide to ensure your concrete structures stand strong against the test of time.

In the realm of bridge infrastructure, the insidious threat of corrosion in posttensioned structures presents formidable challenges. Delve into the complexities of detecting internal tendon degradation, the critical factors accelerating corrosion, and the far-reaching implications for bridge safety and maintenance. Highlighting advancements in technology and proactive initiatives, this subscript underscores the urgent need to safeguard these essential components of our transportation networks for sustained reliability and safety. Read on to learn more about what is beneath the surface.

Viscoelasticity combines both viscous and elastic properties, allowing materials to deform gradually and then return to their original shape. This unique behavior makes viscoelastic materials ideal for damping and shock absorption. In water barriers, subsurface membranes benefit from these properties, especially when applied as Newtonian fluids. This ensures uniform application, thorough penetration into cracks, and even distribution when cured, resulting in a robust and durable barrier. Understanding these material properties is crucial for creating effective and long-lasting solutions. Read this blog post to find out more how viscosity is important to our subsurface membrane technology.

Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) is transforming the construction industry with its unique blend of strength, durability, and versatility. Unlike traditional concrete that relies on steel reinforcement, GFRC uses alkali-resistant glass fibers to enhance its flexural, tensile, and impact strength. This innovative approach results in strong yet lightweight architectural components, making GFRC an ideal choice for both structural and decorative applications. Read on to find out more about the pros and cons of this new technology.