Recycled Carpet Fibers Reinforce Concrete for Sustainability

Australian researchers at RMIT University have found a way to make stronger, crack-resistant concrete using scrap carpet fibers. This innovation reduces early-age shrinkage cracking by 30% and increases tensile strength by 40%, addressing a major issue in reinforced concrete that costs billions in annual repairs.

The technique also tackles textile waste, with Australians discarding 23kg of textiles per person yearly. Up to 70% of this waste can be repurposed into concrete fibers, offering a sustainable alternative to landfilling or incineration.

Field trials are underway to validate this eco-friendly concrete, setting a new standard for sustainable construction.

Full story: https://techxplore.com/news/2024-11-carpet-fibers-concrete.amp

Brickell Tower’s Massive Concrete Foundation

Mast Capital has achieved a major milestone in constructing Cipriani Residences Miami, completing the largest mat foundation pour in Brickell this year. In a record-setting feat along South Miami Avenue, 11,500 cubic yards of Cemex-supplied concrete and 2,500 tons of reinforcing steel were placed over a 16-hour period. Moss Construction coordinated the effort, managing 750 truckloads of concrete and over 50 team members in a meticulously planned operation.

This foundation sets the stage for the 80-story tower, designed by Arquitectonica, which will rise 940 feet in the heart of Brickell. Combining Cipriani’s signature Italian-inspired luxury with precision engineering, the project is a testament to collaboration and craftsmanship, laying the groundwork for one of Miami’s most iconic developments. Completion is expected in 2028.

Full story: https://floridayimby.com/2024/10/cipriani-residences-miami-completes-brickells-largest-foundation-pour-of-the-year.html

Wind Turbines Capture CO2 for Sustainable Concrete

Purdue University researchers are transforming carbon capture by harnessing wind turbines to create sustainable concrete. Luciano Castillo’s team discovered that turbulence around turbines concentrates CO2, which is then captured and converted into calcium carbonate—a key concrete ingredient—using a calcium hydroxide solution.

This approach reduces CO2 emissions while supporting eco-friendly concrete production, avoiding the high energy costs of traditional carbon capture methods. With the potential to remove up to 138 kg/m of CO2, the technology offers a dual benefit: fighting climate change and promoting green construction. The team is now exploring urban applications to expand its impact.

Full story: https://www.asme.org/topics-resources/content/novel-carbon-capture-tech-makes-case-for-more-wind-turbines

Heidelberg Materials Innovates Sustainable Concrete in Edmonton

Heidelberg Materials’ Edmonton cement plant now replaces up to 50% of fossil fuels with low-carbon alternative fuels (ALCF), reducing CO₂ emissions and diverting 100,000 tonnes of waste from landfills annually. Supported by a US$2.4M grant from Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction fund, the project uses waste from municipal, construction, and demolition sources, eliminating persistent materials like plastics.

With advanced testing and combustion controls, the initiative ensures high-quality production while supporting local jobs. This innovation positions the Edmonton plant as one of Canada’s most advanced, aligning with global efforts toward carbon-neutral concrete production.

Full story: https://www.cemnet.com/News/story/178132/heidelberg-achieves-50-replacement-of-fossil-fuels-at-its-edmonton-plant.html

Ice Concrete: Strength Meets Sustainability

Ice Concrete, or Temperature Controlled Concrete, is transforming construction with enhanced durability, workability, and sustainability. Produced at lower temperatures, it minimizes thermal cracking, accelerates curing, and reduces environmental impact.

ICON RMC, a leading Ready Mixed Concrete provider in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, is driving this innovation, delivering top-quality solutions for demanding projects like dams, bridges, and skyscrapers.

With Ice Concrete, ICON RMC is building a stronger, more sustainable future for construction.

Full story: https://edtimes.in/revolutionizing-concrete-construction-the-power-of-ice-concrete/

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