For project teams focused on sustainability of buildings and infrastructure, the type of materials used play a big role in the overall success of the project. This is why keeping a watchful eye on the latest advances is critical.
One example: concrete. Currently, the cement industry has a goal of reducing its carbon emissions, which contributes between three and five percent of global CO2 pollution. Thus, many companies are focusing on ways to create more sustainable concrete.
CO2-Cured Concrete
For instance, Solidia Concrete starts with energy-saving, sustainable cement, then cures the concrete, reduces the carbon footprint of the cement and concrete by up to 70 percent, and recycles 60 to 80 percent of the water used in production. It is silicate-based and has a low-calcium content, which gains strength through carbonation instead of hydration.
For construction workers, a key point to note is this process uses the same raw materials and existing equipment as traditional approaches. The results are higher performing, less cost to produce, and it cures in less than 24 hours.
Recently, the U.S. Patent Trademark Office issued a patent for the structure of CO2-cured Solidia Concrete. Solidia Technologies now holds the exclusive licensing rights to the patent, which is held by Rutgers University, where the original generation of the material was invented.
The concrete is more durable with shorter curing times, while still using the same raw materials and existing equipment. This will result in immediate cost savings, good performance and enhanced sustainability for the industry.
New Dust Repair Mortars and Admixtures
As technology continues to advance, the industry is seeing other unique examples, for instance, BASF recently announced new dust repair mortars and a new admixture that increases concrete strength and durability.
The low dust repair mortars—MasterEmaco T 1060DR and MasterEmaco T 1061DR—specifically reduce jobsite dust that occurs during concrete repair mortar mixing. Applications include interior and exterior horizontal concrete surfaces, structural concrete repairs and partial and full-depth repairs.
Additionally, the new Master X-Seed 55 admixtures increases concrete strength. It uses a stable suspension of synthetically produced crystalline calcium silicate hydrate nanoparticles that facilitate the growth of crystals between cement grains and improve the overall hydration of Portland cement.
While these are only a few examples, cement is becoming stronger and more sustainable, offering new and more advanced options for operators out at the jobsite.
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