In the heart of Quito, Ecuador, a groundbreaking study led by Geovanny Solano-Vinueza from the Multidisciplinary Engineering Research Hub (MER Hub) at Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) is challenging the status quo of concrete quality control in large-scale infrastructure projects. The research, published in the *International Journal of Sustainable Engineering* (translated as *Journal of Sustainable Engineering*), offers a compelling case for procedural optimisation in concrete testing, promising significant reductions in CO2 emissions and costs.
Solano-Vinueza and his team conducted a nine-month study on a project involving 25,000 cubic meters of concrete, comparing conventional testing protocols with an optimised strategy. The results were striking. By rationalising sampling based on statistical performance, the team reduced the number of test cylinders by 3,010, leading to substantial savings in materials, transport, production, laboratory procedures, and disposal. “We found that many concrete mixtures achieved design strength within seven days,” Solano-Vinueza explained. “This allowed us to streamline our testing process without compromising quality.”
The environmental benefits were equally impressive. The optimised protocol led to a reduction of 3,289 kg of CO2-equivalent emissions, along with significant savings in fine and coarse aggregates, cement, water, and admixtures. “This isn’t just about cutting costs,” Solano-Vinueza emphasized. “It’s about integrating sustainability into our quality control systems. We’re proving that environmental efficiency and cost-effectiveness can go hand in hand.”
The study’s findings have profound implications for the energy sector, where large-scale concrete infrastructure projects are common. By adopting similar optimisation strategies, companies could significantly reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. “This research provides a replicable framework for other projects,” Solano-Vinueza noted. “It’s a step towards a more sustainable future for the construction industry.”
The study’s success lies in its simplicity. Unlike previous research that focused on material substitutions, Solano-Vinueza’s team demonstrated that procedural optimisation alone can yield significant benefits. This approach ensures compliance with industry standards set by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), making it an attractive option for companies looking to balance sustainability with regulatory requirements.
As the construction industry grapples with the challenges of climate change and rising costs, Solano-Vinueza’s research offers a beacon of hope. It’s a testament to the power of innovation and a reminder that sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones. With this study, Solano-Vinueza and his team have set a new benchmark for quality control in concrete infrastructure projects, paving the way for a more sustainable and cost-effective future.