Better than concrete? 'Liquid Granite' is greener, safer

Could a fire-resistant “Liquid Granite” made from recycled materials be used to construct buildings of the future? Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University believe so, as the material they’ve developed is as versatile as concrete while even safer under high temperatures.

Liquid Granite is not only fire-resistant beyond 1,100 degrees Celsius but doesn’t explode at high temperatures like concrete does. It can also withstand high temperatures for longer periods, offering valuable minutes in the case of a fire.

Developed at Sheffield Hallam University, Liquid Granite is already being used by a number of organisations in building projects as it has a four-hour fire rating, meaning that it provides the top level of protection in the case of a fire.

“Liquid Granite is a very versatile material that can be used in a similar way to concrete,” said Pal Mangat, director of the Centre of Infrastructure Management at the university. “The fact it has a high level of fire resistance means that it can be used in areas where fire safety is crucial, such as around power stations, and in domestic and commercial buildings can offer added time for evacuation in case of an emergency.

Mangat continued, “The product replaces most of the cement in standard concrete with a secret formula of products to change the basic properties of the material. I believe it has great potential for the future.”

The material is made up of between 30 and 70 per cent recycled material, mainly base products from industry. It uses less than one third of the cement used in precast concrete, which also reduces its carbon footprint.

“There has already been a great deal of interest from the building industry about this product, and it has been supplied onto projects such as the Olympic Village and Stratford Shopping Centre in London in the form of fire-rated lintels manufactured by King Stone Products,” said Bob Richards from Liquid Granite Ltd. “It will really make a difference to the safety of our buildings and could potentially save lives.”