Project
Contextualization
The global increase of environmental problems has imposed hard challenges on political decision-makers. The European Union (EU) is fighting climate change through ambitious policies. One of the most important measures is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, meaning the economy must reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Portugal has been implemented important actions to achieve this target, such as the closure of coal-based thermal power plants. This closure already shows positive environmental impacts. However, it caused a delicate transition phase concerning concrete production in the country.
Fly ash (FA) is a particulate material produced from the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. This industrial waste has been widely used in the production of concrete all over the world. Since the Portuguese thermal power plants are closed, the quantity of FA was dramatically reduced. There are two main problems related to the lack of FA in Portugal, one at the economic level and the other at the environmental level, both related to the same issue: not being able to use FA, the amount of cement in concrete will have to rise. The increase in cement consumption will increase the final cost of concrete and, at the same time, provide more energy consumption and more CO2 emissions. It is imperative to have a suitable alternative to FA in order to produce concrete with reduced cement in its composition. Otherwise, we will be taking a step back concerning the sustainability of concrete. Considering the amount of concrete produced in the world, we will also be retreating in relation to the implementation of measures conducive to the sustainability of the planet.
Some research has shown that glass powder (GP) has adequate pozzolanic properties and that using it as a partial substitute for cement improves the bulk properties of concrete significantly. However, it is not clear if GP can be an ideal substitute for FA in the concrete composition. It is necessary to evaluate (and compare) not only their mechanical behaviour but also their durability performance. Assessing the quantitative availability for an eventual industrial use is also essential.
Goals
This proposal aims to contribute to the development of knowledge through an experimental investigation about the incorporation of GP in concrete as a substitute for FA. The main objectives are:
i) to contribute to reaching the climate-neutral by 2050 through the development of an improved concrete mixture that uses waste instead cement (partial replacement), reducing the environmental impact without compromising the mechanical and durability performances;
ii) to promote the circular economy incorporating glass waste in the concrete mixture; and
iii) to develop and disseminate knowledge about the potential and advantages of using this new FA substitute, GP, in the construction sector.
In order to do so, an experimental research with a specific focus has been planned. The combined evaluation of the obtained results will enable us to understand the potential use of GP as a substitute for FA in the production of cement with reduced content. The utilization of this type of concrete will enhance the environmental performance of the construction sector in alignment with the United Nations' sustainable development goals and those established by the EU for 2050.
Partners
Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC)
The IPVC through the da Materials Research and Development Center (UIDM) is a crucial partner of the GlassCON project, as it provides support for the microstructural analyses developed within the scope of the project.
The Mechanical Engineering and Materials disciplinary group at IPVC boasts advanced equipment that allows them to relevant research activities in the field of material microstructure, which is well adjusted to this research activity.
Wine Company - Casa Castro Malheiro
Environmental sustainability and energy transition are global concerns in today's world. Casa Castro Malheiro acknowledges these concerns and aims to actively participate in most of its processes to become a change agent.
In this regard, it proposes to provide support to the GlassCON project by diverting glass leftovers from the bottling process away from the usual segregation and treatment process and redirecting them for incorporation as a raw material to support the project.