Descrizione del progetto
Un calcestruzzo sostenibile proveniente da materiali riciclati
La sostenibilità del calcestruzzo, un’alternativa per l’impoverimento delle materie prime, il miglioramento delle proprietà del calcestruzzo, la diminuzione dei costi e la riduzione del consumo energetico, è una priorità assoluta. Il progetto FRGeo-Crete, finanziato dall’UE, svilupperà un calcestruzzo ecocompatibile rinforzato con fibre composte da materiali riciclati quali geopolimeri e aggregati riciclati, nonché fibre naturali come la iuta (materiali totalmente biodegradabili e riciclabili). Il progetto esaminerà i meccanismi alla base della compatibilità fibra-matrice nel controllo di rotture/scheggiature del calcestruzzo. Ciò impiegherà la conoscenza ottenuta al fine di sviluppare un nuovo calcestruzzo rinforzato con fibre, geopolimerico, naturale, sostenibile e controllato a livello di rotture/scheggiature, nonché una nuova tecnica che possa modificare le proprietà della superficie delle fibre naturali per migliorarne il legame con la matrice cementizia.
Obiettivo
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.
Campo scientifico
Programma(i)
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EFCoordinatore
S10 2TN Sheffield
Regno Unito