In a groundbreaking study published in ‘Materiales de Construccion’, C. Parra from the Architecture and Building Technology Department at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena explores innovative alternatives to traditional Portland cement concrete. This research addresses the pressing issue of resource depletion caused by the excessive extraction of non-renewable materials and fossil fuels in construction.
The study focuses on the valorization of construction and demolition waste (CDW), including brick and reinforced concrete, aiming to replace or significantly reduce the use of clinker in concrete production. By incorporating CDW as recycled aggregates, Parra and his team have developed sustainable concrete mixes, including a geoconcrete variant that contains 0% clinker and 50% recycled aggregate.
“The future of construction materials lies in sustainability,” Parra asserts. “By utilizing waste materials, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also create new opportunities for the industry to innovate.”
The findings reveal that geopolymers made with 100% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) can achieve properties comparable to conventional concrete. However, while mixtures containing recycled brick and concrete demonstrated lower strength due to the low molarity and recycled aggregate usage, they still offer substantial benefits. The elastic modulus increases significantly with the use of 100% GBFS, although it decreases slightly—by less than 10%—when CDW is included.
In practical applications, the research indicates that beams made with 25% CDW can experience breaking moments reduced by as much as 30%. Interestingly, brick-based mixtures show enhanced energy absorption capabilities, suggesting potential advantages in structural applications where resilience is critical.
The implications of this research are profound for the construction sector. As the industry grapples with sustainability challenges, the ability to leverage waste materials not only aligns with environmental goals but also opens up new avenues for cost savings and resource efficiency. By transforming waste into valuable construction materials, companies can enhance their market competitiveness while contributing to a circular economy.
As the construction landscape evolves, studies like Parra’s pave the way for future developments that prioritize sustainability without compromising performance. The potential for widespread adoption of these geopolymers could redefine industry standards, making eco-friendly construction not just a possibility, but a reality.
For more information on this research, visit the Architecture and Building Technology Department at the Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena.