From Manufacturing to Implementation- Reducing the Environmental Impact of Concrete

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Over the past two decades efforts have been made to green the concrete industry from material selection and manufacturing to the implementation of innovative concrete products. Innovations in concrete building materials have strong potential to address several pressing global environmental problems. The focus of this proposed research program is aimed to develop innovative concrete materials and manufacturing processes to mitigate negative impacts corresponding to air pollution, storm water runoff, carbon emissions and energy demands. This proposed research program examines the properties, production processes and long term durability of photocatalytic concrete, pervious concrete and precast concrete. In particular, outcomes from this research program will contribute new knowledge on: (i) the long term performance of photocatalytic concrete and pervious exposed to Canada's cold winter climate, (ii) physical and chemical characterization of photocatalytic reaction products and their implications on secondary systems such as soil and ground water contamination, and (iii) optimizing the synergistic effect of using cement replacement materials along with a modified precast concrete manufacturing process leading to a more robust precast concrete product with reduced environmental impacts. This five-year research program will involve 6 highly qualified personnel including 2 PhD, 2 MASc, and 2 undergraduate researchers. The HQP will gain experience of using state-of-the-art instrumentation, be involved in leading-edge breakthroughs in concrete technologies, and will interact with industry professionals. These HQP will form the next generation of Canada's concrete material scientists and will move on to help maintain Canada's superiority in this field.