How “Smart concrete” will slash global emissions
Researchers are innovating with concrete to extend its lifespan, reduce emissions during production and benefit the environment. With about 70% of the global population living in concrete structures, this material is crucial for construction but contributes more than 8% of carbon emissions.
One area of focus is “smart concrete,” which includes cement-based sensors for detecting unseen cracks and sustainable alternatives that cut fossil fuel use in cement production, a field being advanced by experts like UNSW Sydney’s Scientia Associate Professor, WENGUI LI.
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By Jacob Gillard
Concrete researchers are innovating with the widely-used material to increase its lifespan, help the natural environment it lives on and cut down on emissions made during its production.
Around 70 per cent of the world’s population lives in a structure built with concrete – the composite is second only to water for use in construction, and its production is responsible for more than 8 per cent of the world’s total carbon emissions.
Concrete is vital for our working world, but experts on the material believe it’s time to make it work harder.
This is where ‘smart concrete’ comes in. From cement-based sensors that can detect cracks the naked eye can’t see, to a new form of sustainable concrete that heavily reduces fossil fuel use in cement production, many inroads are being made—or paved—on innovation for the foundation.
Scientia Associate Professor Wengui Li, in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering with expertise in construction materials and structural engineering, is one such researcher looking to conquer concrete.
His focus on concrete initially developed from an interest in seismic design, or helping buildings withstand earthquakes.
“I’ve found that maybe it’s better to do some innovation on the material level, and then use the new material for the structures and improve the structure performance,” he says.
“I think in Australia, and over the world, more and more researchers are doing work in concrete materials.”
Story courtesy UNSW Sydney