The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) funded project found that that the fibre-reinforced concrete reduces the impact of bomb blasts a thousand times more than ordinary concrete.
The testing involved high explosions, based on IRA car bombs, carried out at an RAF base in Cumbria.
The new type of concrete has needle-thin steel fibres added into the mix to increase its tensile strength instead of the usual steel reinforcing bars.
It could also prove important in the use of protection barriers designed to shield people from bomb blasts outside public buildings.
Professor Steve Millard, lead scientist on the project said: 'Many of London's tourist landmarks are surrounded by concrete to protect against terrorist attacks. However, the type of concrete currently used does not prevent shrapnel - one of the most lethal consequences of any bomb blast."
Public litter bins were removed from many UK public spaces in the 1990's following high profile terrorist attacks. Many have still not been replaced due to continued terror threats.
The new concrete has already been used in Australia to strengthen roofs of government building against mortar attack.
The research was undertaken in collaboration with the University of Sheffield.
