Cementing the future of construction
Improving the properties of cement will streamline processing and yield stronger varieties that can improve the way we construct our buildings. Cement depends on an important main ingredient to harden, technically known as C-S-H gel. Generally, the properties of this gel have been difficult to manipulate and fine-tune in order to create more robust varieties. Yet scientific advances and laboratory simulations investigating its nanoscale properties have helped overcome this barrier. Recent nano experiments have revealed that the C-S-H gel can present itself either in a variety that is of low stiffness and low density (LD C-S-H gel) or in a variety that is of high stiffness and high density (HD C-S-H gel). These varieties are very different in how they resist 'osteoporosis-like' degradation, as reflected in the ageing of the cement structures. The EU-funded project 'Computationally driven design of innovative cement-based materials' (Codice) is investigating whether the development of stronger and more durable HD C-S-H varieties can perform better than LD ones. The project is conducting advanced simulations to find the answer by measuring different parameters and using a multi-scale modelling scheme. This helps identify the structural evolution and mechanical performance of different types of cement, or more accurately cement matrices, using macroscopic processing variables to guide design of new varieties. These computational toolkits developed by Codice are expected to boost the competitiveness of the European construction sector by providing valuable and cost-effective tools to optimise cement processing, and cutting down on the time and costs of quality control assessments. Equally importantly, the toolkits will also optimise the design of the constituents of cement itself in terms of mechanical performance and life-cycle analysis. Such advances could change the way structures are built across the EU and reinvigorate the construction sector, bringing with them countless benefits.
