LafargeHolcim achieves new milestone in ultra low carbon concretes
Published by David Bizley,
Editor
World Cement,
The LafargeHolcim Innovation Center recently achieved a new milestone in the development of Ultra Low Carbon Concretes, resulting from a joint development with the Master Builders Solutions experts from BASF: self-compacting Alkali-Activated Concrete.
A 4.5m3 wall with excellent aesthetics, 2 hours slump retention and only 60 kg CO2eq/m3, representing an environmental footprint reduction of 70%[1] was successfully manufactured and casted. More than a proof of concept, this wall, as well as all other elements, are monitored through sensors and probes in order to evaluate the evolution of their durability.
Further specifications:
- Strength class: C25/30
- Slump flow and retention time: 600 mm for 2 hrs thanks to the specific Master Builders Solutions admixture.
- Carbon footprint (except raw material transportation): 60 kg CO2 eq/m3.
- Just-add-water activation system, allowing its production in conventional RMX plants
- Remarkable early age strength: > 5MPa at 1 day. It can be unmolded after 16 hours at temperatures > 10°C
- Aesthetic surface aspect with very limited bubbles
“This joint development is an excellent example of our commitment to bringing key innovations to the market and supporting our partners with a strong R&D pipeline and our proven technical expertise”, says Dr. Sven Asmus, Vice President Innovation and Technology, Construction Chemicals division at BASF.
“Within the roadmap of decarbonisation of our industry, the boundaries of low carbon concrete must be redefined. Not a single solution will lead us to carbon neutrality and we need to test all relevant avenues of our innovation portfolio”, says Edelio Bermejo, Head of Research and Development at LafargeHolcim.
[1] 70% CO2 reduction in comparison with C25 concrete using CEM II/A cement. Raw material transportation excluded.Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/product-news/11082020/lafargeholcim-achieves-new-milestone-in-ultra-low-carbon-concretes/
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