Kryton International Addresses 'Concrete Cancer' Threat to Major Sports Venues

As major sports venues across the United States grapple with the threat of 'concrete cancer,' Kryton International, a leading Smart Concrete solutions provider, is offering a potential cure. The company is drawing attention to recent structural failures, such as those observed at Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals, to underscore the severity of this issue and promote available preventative measures.

'Concrete cancer,' more technically known as alkali-aggregate-reaction, occurs when water penetrates concrete containing reactive aggregates. This reaction leads to microscopic cracks, invisible to the naked eye, resulting in significant concrete degradation and rebar corrosion. The condition can drastically reduce the lifespan of sports venues, as exemplified by Kauffman Stadium's current predicament.

Kevin Yuers, Kryton's vice president of product development, emphasizes the gravity of the situation: 'The effects of these microscopic cracks are often underestimated until the situation escalates and becomes a serious problem.' Yuers asserts that this issue is 'completely preventable' when concrete is mixed with permeability-reducing and self-healing additives that repair microcracks as they form.

The timing of this revelation is crucial, as construction and renovation of sports venues ramp up in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and other major projects, such as the new Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas for the relocating Oakland A's. Kryton International argues that there is a limited window to implement 'Smart Concrete' solutions to ensure the long-term durability of these structures.

Research from the University of Hawaii and the University of Ottawa supports Kryton's claims. Multi-year analyses found that Kryton's self-healing Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM) is highly effective in repairing microcracks as they form, preventing water ingress and subsequent concrete degradation.

Despite the clear benefits, some developers opt to forgo Smart Concrete additives to control up-front construction costs. Yuers warns that this decision can lead to 'much more costly and structurally catastrophic consequences years later.' He argues that billion-dollar investments in world-class stadiums shouldn't come with an expiration date, and that cost-effective solutions exist to significantly extend their lifespan.

As construction of Olympic venues and other sports facilities accelerates, Kryton International urges contractors to take proactive measures. The company's call to action highlights the importance of fortifying these soon-to-be iconic buildings against the ravages of time, potentially saving billions in future reconstruction costs and preserving the legacy of major sports venues for generations to come.