Research
Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)
Concrete can absorb or store carbon dioxide via 'carbonation' which is a spontaneous reaction between the alkali metals in cementitious material system and carbon dioxide. The reaction forms calcium carbonates which is a thermodynamically stable form of carbon dioxide. This reduces the concrete's overall carbon footprint. In our research, we are trying to determine CCUS strategies and potential CO2 binding capacity of different cementitious materials.
Additive Manufacturing
Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, involves a process of assembling materials by printing a series of single filament stacks to rapid prototype 3D model. 3D printing concrete has gained popularity among the construction industry as it makes the construction process faster, cheaper and more sustainable. Concrete mix design for 3D printing is critical and must be designed with strict criteria so that it can both move smoothly through print system and be stiff enough to maintain its shape while holding the weight of previous layers after extrusion. The research aims to determine and optimize the mixture proportions with sustainable construction materials by evaluating rheology, microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability under multiple environmental conditions.
Sustainable Construction Materials
Concrete is not as environmentally friendly as its main constituents cement, water and aggregates are limited nonrenewable natural resources. The concrete industry emits a huge amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from the de-carbonation of calcareous raw materials during cement manufacture, as well as the use of carbon-based coal and fossil fuel energy sources during the material mining, crushing, transportation phases. Our research goals are finding environmentally friendly alternative materials which can partially or totally replace one or more constituents of concrete without compromising its desired functionality.