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Pioneering Solutions to Combat Concrete Cancer Amidst West Coast Sports Boom

As the 2028 Olympics fuel a wave of new sports venue construction across the West Coast, Kryton International, the global leader in Smart Concrete® solutions, is spotlighting a critical issue threatening the longevity of major stadiums: “concrete cancer.” Recent studies highlight how innovative concrete additives can safeguard these venues against the destructive effects of this condition, ensuring they stand the test of time.

Concrete cancer, formally known as alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR), occurs when water penetrates concrete containing reactive aggregates. This triggers an expansive chemical reaction that creates microscopic cracks, invisible to the naked eye, which degrade the concrete and corrode rebar. The results can be catastrophic, as seen in venues like Kauffman Stadium, home of the Kansas City Royals. This iconic stadium serves as a cautionary tale of how concrete cancer can drastically shorten the lifespan of beloved sports venues.

“The microscopic cracks caused by concrete cancer are often underestimated until they escalate into significant structural problems,” said Kevin Yuers, Kryton’s vice president of product development. “The same issue that plagued Kauffman Stadium and threatens other major venues is entirely preventable. By using permeability-reducing and self-healing additives, microcracks can be repaired as they form, protecting these structures for decades.”

With Los Angeles gearing up to host the 2028 Olympic Games and other landmark projects, such as the new Major League Baseball stadium in Las Vegas for the Oakland A’s relocation, developers have a unique opportunity to incorporate Kryton’s Smart Concrete solutions during construction. These advanced technologies, like the Krystol Internal Membrane (KIM), not only extend the lifespan of concrete but also prevent the premature degradation that leads to costly repairs or early demolition.

Kryton’s solutions are backed by rigorous research. Multi-year studies from the University of Hawaii and the University of Ottawa have confirmed the effectiveness of KIM, a hydrophilic crystalline admixture. By permanently waterproofing concrete and repairing microcracks as they form, KIM prevents water infiltration and the resulting damage that leads to concrete cancer.

Despite the proven benefits, Yuers cautions that some developers still overlook Smart Concrete additives to reduce up-front costs—a decision that can lead to far more expensive consequences in the future. “When taxpayers and franchises invest $1 billion in world-class stadiums, these structures shouldn’t have an expiration date,” he emphasized. “There are cost-effective solutions available to ensure these facilities remain durable for generations.”

As the clock ticks toward the 2028 Olympics, Kryton urges developers and contractors to prioritize longevity and resilience. By adopting Smart Concrete solutions now, the soon-to-be-iconic venues of the West Coast can be fortified against the ravages of time, standing as testaments to innovation and sustainability long after the final whistle.

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