In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a groundbreaking study out of Indonesia is making waves, quite literally. Muhammad Akbar Caronge, a civil engineering professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Hasanuddin, has led a team that’s integrating seawater and ferronickel slag into concrete mixes, with promising results that could reshape the energy sector’s approach to construction.
The energy sector, with its sprawling infrastructure and remote projects, has a voracious appetite for concrete. But the traditional recipe—freshwater and natural sand—is becoming increasingly unsustainable. “The demand for these resources is not only depleting natural reserves but also causing significant ecological harm,” Caronge explains. His research, published in Results in Engineering, offers a compelling alternative.
The study, the first of its kind, explores the synergistic effects of ferronickel slag (FS) and seawater (SW) on concrete’s mechanical and environmental performance. Ferronickel slag, a byproduct of nickel refining, replaces natural sand at 25% and 50% levels, while seawater substitutes tap water in the concrete mixes. The results are encouraging.
Seawater, it turns out, accelerates the early hydration process of concrete, reducing workability but enhancing early strength. Meanwhile, ferronickel slag improves long-term strength and workability, particularly at a 25% replacement level. “The combination of seawater and ferronickel slag not only maintains the structural integrity of concrete but also enhances its performance over time,” Caronge notes.
But the benefits aren’t just about strength. The study also confirms that the release of trace elements from these alternative materials remains within safe regulatory limits, addressing potential environmental concerns. This is a significant finding for the energy sector, which often operates in sensitive ecological areas.
Moreover, the research proposes novel power regression models tailored for ferronickel slag-seawater concrete. These models offer improved predictive accuracy, better capturing the interactions between these alternative materials. This could revolutionize how concrete is designed and used in the energy sector, reducing reliance on virgin materials while maintaining structural integrity and environmental safety.
The implications for the energy sector are vast. Remote island projects, offshore wind farms, and coastal power plants could all benefit from this sustainable concrete solution. It’s a step towards a circular economy, where industrial byproducts and abundant resources like seawater are repurposed, reducing waste and environmental impact.
Caronge’s work is a testament to the power of innovative thinking in addressing sustainability challenges. As the energy sector continues to grow and evolve, so too must its approach to construction. This research offers a compelling path forward, one that’s not only sustainable but also commercially viable.
The energy sector is always looking for ways to reduce costs and environmental impact. This research could be a game-changer, offering a sustainable concrete solution that doesn’t compromise on strength or safety. It’s a win-win for both the industry and the environment. As Caronge puts it, “The future of construction is not just about building structures, but about building a sustainable future.” And with this research, that future seems a little bit closer.