Descripción del proyecto
Hormigón sostenible a partir de material reciclado
Resulta fundamental lograr la sostenibilidad del hormigón y dar con opciones que mejoren sus propiedades, solucionen el problema del agotamiento de materias primas, reduzcan costes y disminuyan el consumo de energía. El proyecto FRGeo-Crete, financiado con fondos europeos, desarrollará un hormigón armado con fibras (FRC, por sus siglas en inglés) respetuoso con el medio ambiente y hecho a partir de materiales reciclados, como los geopoliméricos y los agregados reciclados, así como con fibras naturales, como el yute (materiales totalmente reciclables y biodegradables). Sus investigadores estudiarán los mecanismos que rigen la compatibilidad fibra-matriz a la hora de controlar las fisuras y la fragmentación del hormigón. El conocimiento obtenido servirá para desarrollar un nuevo FRC natural, sostenible, geopolimérico y con control de fisuras y fragmentación, así como para crear una nueva técnica capaz de modificar las propiedades de la superficie en fibras naturales, con el objetivo de mejorar la unión con la matriz cementosa.
Objetivo
Shrinkage cracking and fire-induced concrete spalling can deteriorate the structural integrity and increase the maintenance cost of civil infrastructure. New advanced/sustainable construction materials can tackle these issues and also reduce the CO2 emissions which is an important factor in EU directives and codes of practice. The production of 1 tonne of cement requires 3-6 GJ of energy and releases approximately 0.85 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which, contributes to around 7% of the total man-made CO2 in the world. A significant amount of this CO2 can be saved by using environmentally friendly Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) made of recycled materials (such as geopolymers and recycled aggregates) and natural fibres (such as jute fibres). This proposal aims to develop: (1) an advanced understanding of the mechanisms behind the fibre-matrix compatibility in controlling cracking/spalling of concrete and (2) a novel, sustainable, cracking/spalling-controlled geopolymer natural FRC and a new technique which modifies the surface properties of natural fibres to enhance their bond with the cementitious matrix. This will enable the replacement of the currently used cement clinker and synthetic fibres with waste minerals and natural fibres, respectively, of equal or better performance, providing an annual reduction of 26 million tonnes of CO2 worldwide. The mechanisms of cracking/spalling of concrete, fibre-matrix compatibility and durability of jute FRGeo-Crete will be assessed by fibre pull-out tests along with the microstructural characterisation using SEM-EDS, FTIR, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray CT scanning. The lead beneficiary (The University of Sheffield - USFD) has world-leading expertise in the field of FRC design engineering and the use of waste by-products in concrete. The fellow will also receive an extensive training programme (delivered by the USFD), which will enable him to develop his career as an independent researcher.
Ámbito científico
Programa(s)
Régimen de financiación
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinador
S10 2TN Sheffield
Reino Unido