Concrete Innovations: What's New in 2026?

1. Self-Healing Concrete

Self-healing concrete uses bacteria to generate a type of calcium carbonate (limestone) that “repairs” cracks in concrete as they develop.

This technology may greatly increase the life of many of the concrete structures we see around us today, potentially saving thousands of dollars in maintenance costs over the years.

With Midland’s extreme weather changes, self-healing concrete will likely prove to be a great asset in helping prevent and repair cracks in driveways and patios caused by excessive heat.

2. Carbon-Capturing Concrete

Carbon-capturing concrete is a specialized concrete mixtures that absorb CO2 from the air during the hardening process.

It is possible that this technology could completely flip the environmental impact of concrete use from being an emitter of CO2 into being a net absorber of CO2, potentially drastically reducing the carbon footprint of the entire concrete production industry.

As Midland becomes increasingly eco-conscious, the ability to build with carbon-capturing concrete will give builders a new tool to reduce their environmental footprint on projects without having to sacrifice strength or durability.

3. 3D Printing Concrete

Large-scale 3D printing machines now exist that enable the mass production of concrete structures on site, layer by layer, which in turn enables architects to design complex forms and shapes that were never before achievable.

The large-scale 3D printing of concrete could revolutionize the construction industry, potentially leading to massive reductions in construction labor costs and time frames.

Although still in its infancy, if developed further, 3D printed concrete could provide Midland residents with a variety of custom, bespoke concrete features for their homes and businesses.

4. Translucent Concrete

Translucent concrete is a type of concrete that contains optical fibers that allow light to pass through, creating a translucent effect.

Translucent concrete introduces a whole new world of design possibilities to the building industry, enabling the creation of illuminated walls and floors made entirely of translucent concrete.

In Midland, transparent concrete could be used to create an eye-catching feature wall for homeowners or to add a dynamic element to the facade of a local business.

5. Geopolymer Concrete

Geopolymer concrete is a type of concrete that does not contain Portland cement; instead, geopolymer concrete is made from various industrial waste products such as fly ash.

Geopolymer concrete has the potential to greatly reduce the overall carbon footprint of the concrete production industry compared to traditional concrete. Additionally, geopolymer concrete may also exhibit greater resistance to chemical and thermal attack.

Given Midland’s heavy presence in the oil and gas industry, geopolymer concrete could be extremely valuable in providing a more durable and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional concrete for structural elements exposed to harsh chemicals and temperatures.

6. Permeable (Pervious) Concrete

Permeable (pervious) concrete is a highly porous material that allows water to pass through, thus reducing runoff and allowing for more effective recharge of groundwater supplies.

Permeable concrete has the potential to be a vital component in the effort to better manage stormwater runoff and to promote water conservation throughout the nation.

In Midland, where managing water resources is a significant concern due to our infrequent but often intense storms, permeable concrete could be utilized in the construction of parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks to both manage excess rainfall and to preserve groundwater.

7. Flexural Concrete

Flexural concrete is a special type of fiber-reinforced concrete that exhibits great flexibility and the ability to resist deformation under loads without developing significant amounts of cracking.

This technology has the potential to greatly enhance the safety and lifespan of structures built with concrete in areas prone to seismic activity.

While Midland is not located in a seismically active region, the increased resistance to cracking exhibited by flexible concrete may also be beneficial in resisting deformation caused by the thermal fluctuations experienced in Midland.

Looking Forward

Some of these developments are currently still in the developmental phase or just beginning to gain traction among practitioners. However, the emerging concrete innovations above represent what is likely to be the direction of the future of concrete technology. As these innovations become more commercially viable, they have the potential to provide even more resilient, more sustainable, and more diverse concrete-based structures than ever before concrete-based structures within the Midland community.

Are you interested in learning more about how these emerging concrete technologies may support your next project? Contact Midland Concrete Services today. We would be pleased to share knowledge about the current state-of-the-art in the field of concrete technologies, and how each can be adapted to meet your specific needs in Midland’s distinct climate.

Together, let’s build a more sustainable Midland using the most advanced, innovative concrete technologies available today – one innovative concrete project at a time.