Jakarta, INTI – Amid global efforts to enhance aviation safety, a group of scientists in China has developed a revolutionary technology that offers a smart solution for mitigating the risks associated with emergency aircraft landings. The innovation involves an ultra-lightweight foam concrete material, nicknamed "marshmallow concrete" a material capable of absorbing kinetic energy and smoothly bringing aircraft weighing hundreds of tons to a stop.
The breakthrough was developed by China Building Materials Academy (CBMA) Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology and its affiliated technology company based in Beijing. This innovative concrete represents a significant leap forward in emergency runway technology and was recently awarded second prize for innovation by the China Building Materials Federation.
The Unique Characteristics of “Marshmallow Concrete”
Unlike conventional concrete, this foam version has a porosity rate exceeding 80 percent and weighs only about 200 kilograms per cubic meter one-tenth the weight of standard concrete. Although it appears solid, the material is designed to crumble in a controlled manner upon strong impact, effectively decelerating an aircraft without causing severe damage.
“This material acts as a soft barrier that absorbs energy during impact,” explained Fang Jun, a researcher at CBMA. “It looks solid but is engineered to break apart upon contact, enabling a gradual slowdown during an emergency landing.”
Addressing the Limitations of Traditional RESA Systems
In aviation, the Runway End Safety Area (RESA) is required to reduce the risk of accidents during landings. Traditionally, RESA elements such as water ponds, soil, or sand have significant limitations, they are highly sensitive to environmental and weather conditions.
For example, water can freeze in winter and attract wildlife, while soil performance fluctuates based on moisture and temperature. Marshmallow concrete offers a more stable, effective, and reliable alternative that can function year-round under various conditions.
Technical Challenges and Efficiency Efforts
To achieve optimal energy absorption, this concrete must maintain a highly precise impact strength between 0.30 and 0.35 megapascals. Although this range is lower than that of regular concrete, it is critical to ensure the material breaks upon impact rather than resisting it, which could endanger the aircraft.
Initially, development relied on calcium sulfoaluminate cement, known for its rapid setting and efficient molding properties. However, its high cost and tendency to degrade into powder over time made it unsuitable for smaller, low-budget airports.
The research team then explored a more economical and durable solution using regular cement. One of the key innovations involved enhancing the foam-forming process by introducing a maleated rosin-based twin-chain air-entraining agent that creates a strong protective membrane around each bubble in the concrete mix.
Tested and Implemented at Airports
So far, the marshmallow concrete system has been implemented at 14 airports across China. One of the key test sites is located in Nyingchi, in the Xizang Autonomous Region of southwest China, known for its harsh climate and environmental conditions. Monitoring over one year revealed that the material’s property change was just 3 percent well below the 10 percent design tolerance threshold.
To ensure long-term outdoor performance, the team also developed a dual-stage strength regulation technology. This system precisely controls the material’s strength development through a phased release mechanism, enabling it to adapt to environmental degradation over time.
Toward a New Safety Standard in Aviation
With its proven performance and improving cost-efficiency, the marshmallow concrete developed by Chinese scientists has the potential to become a new standard in airport safety systems. This breakthrough not only addresses technical limitations but also paves the way for a safer and more adaptive future in aviation infrastructure technology.
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Conclusion:
The marshmallow concrete innovation developed by Chinese scientists represents a significant breakthrough in aviation safety technology. With its ability to efficiently absorb impact energy and remain stable in various environmental conditions, this material offers a more effective solution than conventional systems like soil or water pools. Already implemented at several airports with proven reliability, this innovation paves the way for safer, smarter, and more durable airport infrastructure transformation.
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