News Summary

Allium Engineering, a startup led by co-founders Steven Jepeal and Samuel McAlpine, has developed an innovative solution to enhance the durability of bridges by coating regular rebar with a thin layer of stainless steel. This approach aims to prolong the lifespan of bridges from 30 to 100 years by preventing corrosion, a common issue that leads to premature failure of concrete structures. The company’s stainless steel-layered rebar has already been utilized in several projects, including bridge deck replacements on Interstate 91 in Massachusetts and U.S. Highway 101 in California, as well as a commercial boat yard in Key West, Florida. Allium is positioning its product as a cost-effective alternative to traditional epoxy-coated rebar, offering the potential to reduce additional concrete use by 10% and allowing the use of greener cements. The startup’s process involves cladding large steel billets with stainless steel, making it scalable and easier to control quality, ultimately providing a durable and economical solution for bridge construction.