Concrete Trends: Hot topics in the concrete industry – Week of Oct. 21

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NEOM establishes concrete factory for THE LINE project

NEOM, the sustainable region under development in northwest Saudi Arabia, has announced a partnership with Asas Al-Mohileb to establish a SAR 700 million ready-mix concrete facility. The multi-plant complex, capable of producing over 20,000 cubic meters of green concrete daily, will primarily serve the construction of THE LINE, NEOM’s linear city project.

The facility will incorporate carbon capture and energy-saving technologies, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. Operations are set to begin next month, with peak production expected by 2025. The project is forecasted to create over 500 local jobs as construction on THE LINE advances, with 1,000 out of 30,000 foundation piles already placed. This partnership emphasizes local expertise and sustainable practices to support the Kingdom’s broader development objectives.

Full story: https://www.neom.com/en-us/newsroom/neom-establishes-sar-700-million-concrete-factory-for-the-line

NEOM has partnered with Asas Al-Mohileb to establish a SAR 700 million ready-mix concrete facility. Credit: NEOM

Canada Invests $17.5 Million in AI-Driven Concrete Innovation Project

Innovation, Science and Industry Canada is investing $17.5 million in Giatec Scientific Inc.’s $65.8 million project to develop AI-powered sensor technology that optimizes concrete mixtures, reducing the carbon footprint and improving material quality. The SmartMix platform will be showcased at a demonstration plant in Ottawa, aiming to lower cement usage, energy consumption, and enhance concrete durability.

This project supports Canada’s net-zero goals and positions the country as a leader in sustainable construction innovation.

Full story: https://www.renewcanada.net/canada-invests-in-65-8-ai-driven-concrete-demonstration-plant/

Giatec SmartMix is an all-in-one mix management software that consolidates all concrete production and quality data into a single platform.
Credit: Giatec

Toward Carbon-Negative Architecture: Innovating Concrete for Sustainability

Researchers from the Stuart Weitzman School of Design and Penn Engineering are developing 3D-printed, carbon-absorbing concrete structures aimed at reducing carbon emissions in construction. By optimizing geometries to minimize material use and increase surface area, the concrete captures more carbon from the air and improves energy efficiency through passive heating and cooling.

Shu Yang’s (Chair of Materials Science and Engineering Department at Penn Engineering) team is developing a new concrete mix that captures carbon during production, while Dorit Aviv’s (Assistant Professor of Architecture) Thermal Architecture Lab explores how these structures can regulate indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. This innovation could revolutionize sustainable building practices and contribute to combating climate change.

Full story: https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/penn-design-engineering-toward-carbon-negative-architecture

A rendering of a carbon-absorbing and storage system. Image: Courtesy of Weitzman News

AICrete Unveils AggSense: Cutting-Edge AI-Powered Sensor for Aggregate Gradations and Moisture

AICrete Corp., a leader in AI-driven solutions for the concrete and aggregates industry, has introduced AggSense, a revolutionary sensor designed to transform aggregate characterization. AggSense uses advanced AI technology to provide real-time data on particle size distribution and moisture levels, replacing traditional time-consuming burn and sieve tests.

Key features of AggSense include precision analytics, real-time feedback for immediate adjustments, and hassle-free calibration through a contactless sensor system. It also enhances quality control, ensuring better construction outcomes while promoting sustainability by optimizing material use and reducing waste.

AggSense is set to launch in early 2025 and will seamlessly integrate with AICrete’s operating system, AICreteOS, to further enhance operational efficiency. According to AICrete’s CEO, Parham Aghdasi, this innovation is poised to set new standards for quality and sustainability in the construction materials industry..

Full story: https://www.einpresswire.com/article/749716229/aicrete-launches-aggsense-pioneering-ai-powered-sensor-for-aggregate-gradations-and-moisture

AggSense Hardware. Credit: AiCrete

C-Crete Technologies Pours World’s First Granite-Based, Cement-Free, CO2-Free Concrete at Manhattan Supertall

C-Crete Technologies has made history by pouring the world’s first granite-based, Portland cement-free, CO2-free concrete at JPMorganChase’s new global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in Manhattan.

This sustainable concrete offers the same strength as traditional concrete, with no CO2 emissions during production and even captures CO2 during curing. The project highlights a major step forward in green building, supported by industry leaders like JPMorganChase and Foster + Partners. C-Crete’s innovation aims to reduce the environmental impact of construction while maintaining cost efficiency.

Full story: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/c-crete-technologies-pours-worlds-first-granite-based-concrete–free-of-portland-cement-and-co2-emissions–at-manhattan-supertall-building-302257351.html?tc=eml_cleartime

C-Crete’s 12 cubic yard pour of the world’s first granite-based concrete devoid of Portland cement and CO2 was for a topping slab located on the upper lobby of the supertall at 270 Park Ave, Manhattan. Photo Credit: Foster+Partners, NYC Constructors, and C-Crete Technologies

Let me know what you think of these hot topics and any others you have come across!

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About the author

Hi! My name is Alen Keri, an award-winning concrete professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the ready-mix industry. In this blog I share my experiences in the industry as well as all the latest concrete news.