Description du projet
Du béton durable fabriqué à partir de matériaux recyclés
Disposer d’un béton plus durable est une priorité absolue et une solution clé pour limiter l’épuisement des matières premières, améliorer les propriétés de ce matériau, réduire les coûts et diminuer la consommation d’énergie. Le projet FRGeo-Crete, financé par l’UE, entend mettre au point un béton renforcé par des fibres (FRC) respectueux de l’environnement et fabriqué à partir de matériaux recyclés (tels que des géopolymères et des granulats recyclés) et de fibres naturelles comme le jute (matériaux totalement biodégradables et recyclables). Le projet étudiera les mécanismes qui expliquent la compatibilité entre les fibres et la matrice afin de mieux contrôler les problèmes de fissuration et d’écaillage du béton. Il utilisera les connaissances acquises pour mettre au point un nouveau FRC naturel en géopolymère durable qui limitera la fissuration et l’écaillage, ainsi qu’une nouvelle technique qui pourra modifier les propriétés de surface des fibres naturelles afin d’améliorer leur liaison avec la matrice du ciment.
Objectif
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.
Champ scientifique
Programme(s)
Régime de financement
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinateur
S10 2TN Sheffield
Royaume-Uni