IUCRC Phase I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee: Center for Concrete Advancement Network (CAN), Lead Site

波特兰水泥混凝土是建筑环境中无处不在的元素，也是全球建筑和基础设施发展的重要组成部分。混凝土是使用最广泛的制造材料，其生产也是温室气体排放的一个因素。 水泥生产导致全球能源相关二氧化碳（CO2）排放量的4-8%。 有必要在施工期间和混凝土的整个寿命期间减少CO2排放。 混凝土进步网络（CAN）是由威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校和俄勒冈州州立大学建立的一个产学研合作研究第一阶段中心（IUCRC），专注于降低混凝土的全球变暖潜势（GWP），同时提高混凝土的长期耐久性，从而实现显著的经济和社会效益。CAN专注于实施纳米技术进步，可回收性，数字制造，多尺度建模，人工智能和先进的测试技术将用于快速跟踪尖端概念在这一关键工业领域的实施，该领域经常依赖旧技术。通过使用基于模型的预测和验证，结合实验方法，可以实现具体领域的突破，从而加快技术转让从概念到实施的步伐。 CAN中心旨在开发具有降低GWP的创新混凝土混合物，同时为成员公司建立量化GWP和性能的方法，同时为整个行业培训多样化和熟练的科学和工程劳动力。 因此，CAN活动对美国经济具有重要的战略意义，因为它们将为国家日益恶化的基础设施提供长期解决方案，并满足对交通和建筑的需求。CAN威斯康星大学密尔沃基分校拥有独特的专业知识和能力，与在混凝土中使用纳米技术有关，这些技术转化为纳米工程复合材料的开发和有效使用，超高性能混凝土、光催化混凝土、智能传感器嵌入式建筑、副产品利用创新、辅助胶凝材料应用、碳减排和封存、数字化制造以及延长使用寿命。此外，通过ISO 17025认证的结构测试设施提供了一种独特的能力，可以扩展和验证实验室中开发的概念。CAN研究人员利用先进的分析和操纵从纳米到中尺度的化学相互作用，旨在开发现代技术和方法，从而使混凝土更高效，更快速地部署，并且更少地依赖自然资源。中心的研究工作将通过使用基于模型的预测和验证来代替传统的实验方法，从而推动技术从概念到实施的转移步伐，从而实现具体科学的突破。 最后，培训计划旨在帮助下一代工程师做好准备，同时也为从业者提供最新信息。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

Portland cement concrete is a ubiquitous element of the built environment and is a crucial component of building and infrastructure development worldwide. The production of concrete, the most widely used manufactured material, is a contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The production of cement results in 4-8% of global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. There is a need to reduce the CO2 emissions both during construction and throughout the life of the concrete. The Concrete Advancement Network (CAN), an Industry-University Cooperative Research Phase I Center (IUCRC) established by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Oregon State University, focuses on reducing the global warming potential (GWP) of concrete while improving the long-term durability of concrete thereby enabling significant economic and societal benefits. CAN focuses on implementing nanotechnology advancements, recyclability, digital manufacturing, multi-scale modeling, artificial intelligence, and advanced testing techniques will be used to fast-track the implementation of cutting-edge concepts into this key industrial sector, which frequently relies on older technology. Breakthroughs in the concrete field can be achieved using model-based prediction and verification combined with experimental methods, thereby advancing the pace of technology transfer from concept to implementation. The CAN center aims to develop innovative concrete mixtures with reduced GWP while establishing methods to quantify the GWP and performance for member companies while training a diverse and skilled science and engineering workforce for the industry at large. Thus, CAN activities are strategically important to the U.S. economy because they will provide long-term solutions for the nation’s deteriorating infrastructure and meet the demand for transportation and buildings.The CAN University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee site has unique expertise and capabilities related to the use of nanotechnology in concrete, which are translated to the development and effective use of nano-engineered composites, ultra-high-performance concrete, photocatalytic concrete, smart sensor-embedded construction, innovations in by-product utilization, application of supplementary cementitious materials, carbon reduction and sequestration, digital manufacturing, and the extension of service life. In addition, the ISO 17025-certified structural testing facility provides a unique capability to scale-up and verify the concepts developed in the lab. Using advanced analysis and manipulating chemical interactions from nano to mesoscale, CAN researchers aim to develop modern technologies and methods that will result in concrete that is more efficient, more rapidly deployable, and much less dependent upon natural resources. Center research efforts will enable breakthroughs in concrete science by using model-based prediction and verification in lieu of traditional experimental methods, thereby advancing the pace of technology transfer from concept to implementation. Finally, training programs are planned to help prepare the next generation of engineers while also providing information updates for practitioners.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.