Concrete: Renewable Alternative
Session Number
Project ID: ENGN 04
Advisor(s)
Frank Harwath, Dr Harwath
Discipline
Engineering
Start Date
19-4-2023 9:20 AM
End Date
19-4-2023 9:35 AM
Abstract
The Cement industry is responsible for at least 8% of the world's CO2 emissions. When limestone is fired in a kiln, CO2 is released into the atmosphere through a chemical reaction; this is in addition to all the pollution that is created when transporting cement building materials from site to site, and any other processes of the cement industry. Previous research done on this topic has already identified that a mix of Sub-soil aggregates and an organic polymer (Lignosulfonate), after drying, has significantly high compressive strength and resistance to water. In our research, we work to experimentally develop a sustainable alternative to cement. With the use of different-sized Sub-soil aggregates and an organic polymer, we can create a compressed brick that is somewhat analogous to the strength of concrete. Our experiment is primarily to identify what mix of Sub-Soil aggregates allows the compressed brick to have an optimal compressive strength. Establishing a renewable alternative to cement and concrete creates significant implications for the environment and our society. By reducing the carbon intensity of cement production, we can work to lower our overall Carbon footprint and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that are typically used in the production of cement.
Concrete: Renewable Alternative
The Cement industry is responsible for at least 8% of the world's CO2 emissions. When limestone is fired in a kiln, CO2 is released into the atmosphere through a chemical reaction; this is in addition to all the pollution that is created when transporting cement building materials from site to site, and any other processes of the cement industry. Previous research done on this topic has already identified that a mix of Sub-soil aggregates and an organic polymer (Lignosulfonate), after drying, has significantly high compressive strength and resistance to water. In our research, we work to experimentally develop a sustainable alternative to cement. With the use of different-sized Sub-soil aggregates and an organic polymer, we can create a compressed brick that is somewhat analogous to the strength of concrete. Our experiment is primarily to identify what mix of Sub-Soil aggregates allows the compressed brick to have an optimal compressive strength. Establishing a renewable alternative to cement and concrete creates significant implications for the environment and our society. By reducing the carbon intensity of cement production, we can work to lower our overall Carbon footprint and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels that are typically used in the production of cement.