Startup Enables 100-Year Bridges With Corrosion-Resistant Steel
Allium Engineering, a startup founded by two MIT alumni, has developed a corrosion-resistant steel rebar that could significantly extend the lifespan of bridges and other infrastructure. By applying a thin layer of stainless steel to traditional carbon steel rebar, the company aims to triple the average bridge deck’s lifespan from 30 to 100 years. This innovation addresses the widespread issue of rebar corrosion, which compromises structural integrity and leads to costly repairs. Allium’s technology integrates seamlessly into existing steel manufacturing processes, facilitating adoption without major operational changes.
The company has already produced approximately 100,000 pounds of its stainless steel-clad rebar, utilized in various U.S. construction projects. By enhancing durability and reducing maintenance needs, Allium’s approach also offers environmental benefits by lowering carbon emissions associated with frequent infrastructure repairs. Co-founders Steven Jepeal and Sam McAlpine, both Ph.D. graduates from MIT, were inspired by their work on corrosion-resistant materials in extreme environments. Their goal is to provide a scalable solution to the nation’s aging infrastructure, ensuring longer-lasting and more sustainable construction.
