Project description
Turning cement green
The production of concrete is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for up to 8 % of the global total. This poses a significant challenge in combating climate change. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the UP-RISE project aims to revolutionise concrete production by developing an eco-friendly geopolymer based on dredged materials as precursors. By transforming these materials, rich in aluminosilicates, into sustainable geopolymers, the project addresses the significant GHG emissions from traditional Portland cement production, contributing to CO2 reduction and promoting sustainable infrastructure development. UP-RISE seeks to turn an environmental challenge into an opportunity for green construction, advancing both the construction and the maritime industry.
Objective
Climate change poses a global challenge, and the production of cement contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 58%. This project is, therefore, poised to revolutionize the industry by developing an innovative, eco-friendly cement using dredged materials (DMs) as precursors to produce greener geopolymers. The latter are synthesized by mixing materials rich in aluminosilicates with an alkaline solution. The GHG of geopolymer concrete is ~73% and ~46% less than ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete, respectively. Geopolymers exhibit noticeably improved mechanical properties compared to OPC concrete and have been shown to have better resistance to acid attacks, high temperatures, and fire. However, the production of large quantities of geopolymer concrete is limited due to the declining availability of fly ash worldwide. Dredged sediments have been identified as a potential source of silica and alumina. This project sets out to establish the foundational science needed to transform DMs into materials suitable for structural applications, thus pioneering a sustainable path to CO2 reduction. This study will foster the adoption of these by-products in sustainable infrastructure development and create a roadmap for producing DM-based geopolymers. The research, led by me, Dr. Amine el Mahdi Safhi, under the mentorship of Dr. Mahdi Kioumarsi and Dr. Shima Pilehvar at stfold University College (Hi) in Norway, will bolster my skills in materials and structural engineering, preparing me for an expansive academic career. The project is an international endeavor, with the collaboration of Dr. Ahmed Soliman from Concordia University (Canada) and industrial partner NETICS (Netherlands). Our vision is to turn an environmental challenge into an opportunity for sustainable development. By harnessing DMs, we will not only transform the cement industry but also positively impact society and the environment.
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
1757 Halden
Norway
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.