Another study, published back in 1995, showed that although the compressive strength of concrete was enhanced only slightly by the addition of polymer fibres, its impact resistance improved sevenfold.

ECONOMIST: Bunker-busting

And even though steel and concrete are still the most cost-effective materials, new combinations of these substances provide greater strength and fire retardance, says W. Gene Corley, senior vice president at Construction Technology Laboratories in Skokie, Ill.

FORBES: They Will Rise Again