Project description
Building the future with bricks from seawater and construction waste
The green transition has led to the uptake of many green and sustainable solutions across a variety of sectors and industries. Despite this, the construction sector still faces difficulties and challenges in its transition. With the support of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the SWCW-EGCBricks project will develop an innovative solution for lightweight, high-strength engineered geopolymer composite (EGC) bricks made using seawater and construction and demolition waste (CDW). It will utilise seawater in place of fresh water, use systematic approaches to optimise the geopolymer formulation, guarantee durability and trustworthiness throughout the EGC brick manufacturing trials, and develop multi-scale models for mechanical analysis of EGC performance with varying fibre contents.
Objective
The SWCW-EGCBricks project focuses on developing lightweight, high-strength engineered geopolymer composites (EGCs) bricks using seawater and construction and demolition waste (CDW). The use of geopolymers and upcycled concrete waste will address sustainability challenges by reducing environmental impact while maintaining high material performance. The project will introduce seawater to replace fresh water during manufacturing, reducing costs and promoting the use of renewable resources in the building industry.
Following the pyramid principle of emerging composite material design, the project will be achieved through three key objectives: (1) determine the formulation of geopolymer, using a systematic approach to optimize the performance of the geopolymer when it is working with concrete waste and seawater; (2) establish a multi-scale model based on experimental microstructural and mechanical analysis to predict the performance of EGCs with varying fiber content, focusing on strength, toughness, and weight reduction; and (3) conduct manufacturing trails for EGC bricks, with durability and mechanical investigation, along with footprint calculation.
To ensure accurate results, a combination of laboratory-scale trials and multiscale modeling techniques will be applied. Advanced microstructural characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, and 3D microtomography will be employed to analyze the interaction between fibers and the geopolymer matrix. The project will also develop a predictive model that links fiber content to mechanical properties, guiding the optimization process for a high-performance, eco-friendly product.
In addition to experimental work, the project will include a comprehensive environmental assessment, evaluating the carbon footprint of the materials developed. This will ensure that the new bricks align with the objectives of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting circular construction practices.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering fibers
- engineering and technology materials engineering composites
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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-2024-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.
1348 LOUVAIN LA NEUVE
Belgium
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.