Events Calendar

Astani CEE. Dept Seminar

Speaker: Sarah C. Taylor-Lange , The University of Texas at Austin

Talk Title: Advancements in concrete materials sustainability: Supplementary cementitious material development and pollutant interaction

Abstract: Concrete, on a volume basis, is the most widely used, man-made material in the world. Cement is an essential component of concrete and is responsible for over 5% of the global anthropogenic CO2 emissions. This seminar focuses on the development and use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) for enhancing the sustainability of concrete, taking into consideration the reduction in CO2 emissions from manufacturing, changes in the cement chemistry and mechanical properties, as well as uptake and release of airborne pollutants. First, the sustainability attributes of SCMs will be introduced focusing on the development of impure clay minerals as competitive, locally available, partial cement substitutes. The results demonstrate select clay minerals are energetically and structurally favorable SCMs proving to be a competitive, sustainable alternative for use in concrete. In addition, this research provides an understanding of the interactions between building material selection and our living environment. Numerical and experimental studies on the interaction of indoor/outdoor pollutants including radon, ozone, and carbon dioxide with SCMs in concretes and renders will be presented. The results suggest a high potential for SCMs to reduce indoor radon exposure from concrete, contingent upon SCM constituent radionucleotide content and emanation fraction. In addition, studies demonstrate opportunities for optimizing render binder composition for passive pollutant removal. The results from this work collectively contribute toward the broader goal of modernizing and advancing the construction industry toward best sustainable practices and highlighting the importance of an integrated approach which simultaneously considers the mechanical performance, cost, energy requirements, emission signatures, as well as environmental and health impacts.

Host: Astani CEE Dept.

Location: Kaprielian Hall (KAP) - 209

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Cassie Cremeans