The new material made of ceramsite  and concrete is 30 percent more durable and 26 percent less water-permeable compared to other equivalents, the Journal of Composites Science reports.

According to scientists, the improved concrete can be used to build floating oil rigs in the Extreme North. Earlier, it was inexpedient to use concrete mixtures because of their high density and inability to stay on the water surface.

In an effort to adapt expanded clay to Arctic conditions still further, specialists are analyzing the material’s frost resistance and ability to offset the aggressive impact of salt water.