Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah (AUS) has secured a United States patent for a groundbreaking conductive concrete system, which promises to revolutionize the protection of essential infrastructure from electromagnetic disruptions. This patent, granted on August 12, 2025, encompasses a novel concrete mixture that not only supports structural loads but also provides effective shielding against harmful electromagnetic pulses and interference.
According to Emirates News Agency, the innovation allows structural concrete to perform dual functions: supporting design loads and shielding critical facilities such as power stations, data centers, and communication hubs. The patent also includes interlocking features for precast components that minimize electromagnetic leakage at joints and corners, making it particularly advantageous for precast applications. By integrating shielding capabilities directly into the concrete, the AUS technology presents a scalable and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods, which rely on metallic enclosures or wire-mesh cages. This development supports more sustainable and resilient construction for vital infrastructure.
Dr. Sherif Yehia, Professor of Civil Engineering at AUS and lead faculty inventor, expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “This patent marks a turning point in how we think about resilient infrastructure. By transforming concrete itself into a protective material, we open new possibilities for safer, smarter construction.” He emphasized that this breakthrough supports the UAE’s long-term vision for smart cities and sustainable development, advancing strategies such as Centennial 2071 and Net Zero 2050.
Dr. Nasser Qaddoumi, Professor of Electrical Engineering at AUS and faculty co-inventor, explained, “Our submission to the USPTO detailed the design and construction of precast panels developed at AUS. The technology provides the engineering details to prepare precast panels and construction requirements to construct electromagnetic shielding facilities.” He highlighted the translation of laboratory results into engineering details that contractors can implement to protect real facilities.
Dr. Lim Nguyen, Professor of Electrical Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and contributing researcher, remarked on the innovation, stating, “Integrating shielding properties into structural materials changes how engineers can approach resilience. It moves protection from an external add-on to a core feature of the building system and allows the building designs to be tailored to the resilience requirements.”
The team’s research has been successfully demonstrated at full scale in a prototype facility at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park, showcasing how conductive concrete panels can protect sensitive infrastructure from electromagnetic disruption. With the patent now in place, AUS is actively engaging with industry partners and precast producers to explore scaling this technology for broader use.
This notable achievement adds to the growing portfolio of the AUS College of Engineering, reinforcing the university’s role as a collaborative hub where faculty work across disciplines and with global experts to pioneer solutions of international relevance.