FRGeo-Crete · Natural Fibre Reinforced Crack-resistant and spalling-controlled sustainable Geopolymer Concrete
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2019-11-01 → 2021-11-30
- EU contribution
- €224,934
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Natural Fibre Reinforced Crack-resistant and spalling-controlled sustainable Geopolymer Concrete
The main objective of FRGeo-Crete was to investigate the underlying mechanisms of cracking and spalling of concrete and develop a crack-resistant and fire spalling-proof sustainable geopolymer concrete using waste materials and natural fibres as reinforcement. Currently, there are no design specifications to effectively control cracking in cementitious composites or provide effective sustainable reinforcement to mitigate spalling-induced issues in an efficient manner and with sustainable materials. To fulfil this objective, six Work Packages were established to achieve the following objectives: 1) Quantify the cracking potential of geopolymer concrete and identify mitigation measures at the material level 2) Evaluate the effectiveness of natural jute fibre in controlling the physical and performance of FRGeo-Crete 3) Establish an appropriate methodology to improve the performance of natural fibres 4) Explore the crack-resisting mechanisms of natural jute in FRGeo-crete 5) Develop design recommendations and disseminate project scientific and technological findings.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
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.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD · SHEFFIELDCoordinatorUnited Kingdom
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union