Chinese scientists have engineered a groundbreaking runway safety solution using ultra-lightweight foam concrete – playfully dubbed "marshmallow" concrete – capable of safely stopping aircraft weighing up to 100 tonnes during emergencies. Developed through collaboration between the China Building Materials Academy, civil aviation experts, and Beijing-based tech partners, this innovation recently earned national recognition for its engineering breakthrough.
The material maintains 80% porosity while weighing just 200kg per cubic meter – 10% of standard concrete's weight. Its unique structure creates a crushable safety zone that absorbs impact energy through controlled fracturing. "It appears solid but disintegrates predictably upon collision, decelerating aircraft gradually," explained CBMA engineer Fang Jun.
This development addresses critical aviation safety requirements set by the International Civil Aviation Organization, which mandates extended runway safety areas. Traditional solutions like water pools or soil beds often prove environmentally unstable – freezing in winter or attracting wildlife. The new foam concrete alternative demonstrates consistent performance across temperature variations while reducing ecological impact.
The research team overcame technical challenges by developing a specialized air-entraining agent that strengthens bubble structures within the concrete matrix. Their dual-stage strength-regulation technology also ensures long-term durability, addressing previous limitations of similar materials. Notably, the solution uses ordinary cement rather than expensive alternatives, making it accessible for smaller airports.
With global air traffic projected to double by 2040, this innovation positions China at the forefront of aviation safety technology development. The material's cost-effectiveness and adaptability suggest potential applications beyond runways, including earthquake-resistant infrastructure and energy-absorbing transportation barriers.
