In the heart of China’s western regions, a groundbreaking study is reshaping the future of sustainable construction, with significant implications for the energy sector. Researchers from the Department of Civil Engineering at Lanzhou Jiaotong University, led by Li Gong, have been delving into the potential of desert sand as a viable alternative to traditional river sand in concrete production. Their findings, published in the journal “Results in Engineering” (translated from Chinese), could revolutionize how we approach infrastructure development in alpine regions, particularly in terms of durability and environmental impact.
The study focuses on the frost resistance of concrete made from Tengger Desert Sand (TDS) and Maowusu Sandy Sand (MSS), offering a promising solution to the critical issues of carbon emissions and energy usage in the construction industry. “The need for sustainable and low-carbon building materials has never been more urgent,” says Li Gong, the lead author of the study. “Our research aims to address these challenges by exploring the potential of desert sand as a substitute for traditional river sand.”
The team conducted extensive experiments, substituting desert sand and sandy sand at rates of 0%, 15%, 30%, and 45% in concrete mixtures. They subjected these mixtures to freeze-thaw cycles, simulating the harsh environmental conditions of alpine regions. The results were striking. Concrete made with TDS at a 45% substitution rate demonstrated superior durability and frost resistance, with a mass loss rate of just 0.19% and a relative dynamic elastic modulus decrease of only 8.06% after 200 freeze-thaw cycles. This concrete also boasted a 28-day compressive strength of 40.13 MPa.
The study’s findings suggest that as the admixture of desert sand increases, the extent of damage to the concrete samples consistently declines. This is a significant revelation for the construction industry, particularly for projects in alpine areas where frost resistance is paramount. “The durability degradation and microstructural alterations of concrete were examined using advanced methodologies such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM),” explains Gong. “These techniques allowed us to elucidate the temporal performance characteristics of concrete, providing a comprehensive understanding of its behavior under freeze-thaw cycles.”
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is the development of a life prediction model based on Weibull distribution theory. This model forecasts the durability lifespan of concrete in alpine conditions, with TDS45 concrete predicted to have the maximum longevity at 104 years, while MSS45 concrete has the shortest lifespan at 53 years. These predictions offer invaluable insights for engineers and developers, enabling them to make more informed decisions about material selection and project planning.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As the world shifts towards sustainable and low-carbon development, the construction industry must adapt to meet these demands. The use of desert sand in concrete production not only addresses the scarcity of natural river sand resources but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions and energy usage. This aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices across all industries.
The research conducted by Li Gong and his team at Lanzhou Jiaotong University is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential of sustainable materials. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the insights gained from this study will undoubtedly shape future developments, paving the way for more resilient and environmentally friendly infrastructure. The findings published in “Results in Engineering” (成果研究) serve as a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future, demonstrating that even the most arid landscapes can contribute to the construction of a greener world.