"Our goal was to design a printable concrete that performs better and is more eco-friendly," explained Osman Ozbulut, a professor in UVA's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. "The addition of graphene to LC2 cement offers a unique opportunity to lower carbon emissions while maintaining the strength and flexibility required for 3D printed construction."
The study focused on understanding the flow characteristics, mechanical strength, and environmental footprint of this graphene-enhanced material. Leading the research were Tugba Baytak and Tawfeeq Gdeh, doctoral researchers in UVA's Resilient and Advanced Infrastructure Laboratory, along with visiting scholar Baytak. Partnering with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), the team found that graphene, renowned for its exceptional mechanical qualities, significantly improves LC2 cement's compatibility with 3D printing methods.
"This kind of innovation is essential for the future of construction, and I'm proud to be part of the team driving this forward," commented Baytak.
The researchers also conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to quantify the environmental impact of this new material. Led by Zhangfan Jiang, a postdoctoral researcher in civil and environmental engineering, in partnership with environmental engineering professor Lisa Colosi Peterson, the LCA determined that graphene-enhanced LC2 concrete could potentially reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 31% compared to traditional concrete mixes used in 3D printing.
"Being able to see the full environmental footprint of this new concrete was important," stated Jiang. "It not only exhibits better mechanical performance but also has a lower environmental impact, making 3D concrete construction technology more sustainable compared to traditional 3D printing methods with higher carbon emissions."
"It's rewarding to see science push us toward greener building practices," added Colosi Peterson.
The collaboration with VTRC provided UVA's researchers the platform to evaluate the potential applications of this material in infrastructure projects, underscoring its practical benefits. "The VTRC collaboration was essential in uncovering the fundamental properties of this new concrete," said Ozbulut.
"It's exciting to be part of a project that addresses both the technical demands of modern construction and the urgent need for more eco-friendly materials," added Gdeh.
Research Report:Rheological, mechanical, and environmental performance of printable graphene-enhanced cementitious composites with limestone and calcined clay
Related Links
University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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