The concrete industry is constantly evolving, and innovations like Sonocrete are bringing sustainable production closer than ever. In this blog, we explain exactly what Sonocrete is and how ultrasonic technology accelerates the curing process of concrete. We also discuss why Bosch Beton is adopting this technology and the benefits it offers in terms of both quality and sustainability.
What Makes Sonocrete Unique
Sonocrete stands out because ultrasonic frequencies activate the cement in concrete more directly and efficiently. The vibrations ensure that the crystal structures form finer and more evenly from the very start. This results in faster strength development and a more stable mixture compared to traditional methods.
Because the cement is used so effectively, up to 30% less cement is needed to achieve the same strength. This directly translates into an almost equivalent reduction in CO₂ emissions, as cement is the largest source of concrete-related emissions.
In addition, the higher early strength allows formwork to be removed up to 6 hours earlier. This makes the production process faster and more efficient, while the quality of the final product becomes more predictable and reliable. In short: less cement, lower CO₂, greater speed, and a more consistent end result.
Source: Sonocrete – A New Wave of Concrete
A Serendipitous Discovery in Germany
Sonocrete originated in Germany, where Ricardo Remus, together with Christiane Rößler and a research team at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, discovered that ultrasonic vibrations significantly accelerate cement curing. Since those first experiments in 2018, this has developed into an industrial technology.
Remus is now CEO of Sonocrete, while Rößler remains involved in research. Their joint work forms the foundation of the technology that enables more efficient and sustainable concrete production.
Microscale Control and Reliability
Sonocrete provides control at the microscale, making the process extremely reliable. This predictability is crucial in production environments where quality and continuity are key, such as our prefabricated retaining walls. Every optimization in the curing process directly translates into more efficient production and a better final result.
Not Just Following, but Shaping the Future
Ultrasonic activation demonstrates how rapidly the concrete industry is evolving toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable production. Whereas previously the focus was mainly on optimizing large-scale process steps, attention is now shifting increasingly to the microscale. This opens the door to concrete with more predictable properties, shorter production times, and a smaller ecological footprint.
“We don’t just want to keep up with developments — we want to help shape them,” says Brechtje van den Beuken about Bosch Beton’s direction. “That’s why we’re excited to be the first concrete factory in the Netherlands to implement this new technology. Sustainability and innovation are high on our agenda to minimize the footprint of both ourselves and our customers. This innovative step contributes directly to that goal.”
By integrating Sonocrete into our production process, Bosch Beton remains not only relevant today but also lays a concrete foundation for a sustainable future in the concrete sector. Concrete is building strength — and with conscious choices, it can also contribute to a more sustainable and responsible future.
