Innovative Chemistry in World's Longest Railway TunnelThe new edition of BASF's innovation podcast "Chemistry of Innovations" talks about the applications of construction chemicals in extreme conditions. With the help of innovative chemistry, it is possible to add special properties to concrete. In the construction process of the Gotthard base tunnel in Switzerland, which will be the longest rail tunnel in the world, concrete has to fulfill conflicting requirements. On the one hand, wet concrete must not harden while being transported through the mountain for several kilometres and on the other, it has to harden in an instant, when being sprayed onto the tunnel walls.Additives to concrete such as accelerators and plasticizers make it possible. In addition, a sprayable fire protection mortar prevents concrete from exploding when being exposed to temperatures above 500°C. Podcast "Chemistry of Innovations" (English edition) at www.basf.com/podcast and "Chemie der Innovationen" (German edition) at www.basf.de/podcast. Visit www.ugc.basf.com/DCCUGC/EN, www.basf-cc.co.uk/BASF-CCUK/AS and www.basf-admixtures.com 34/07.