The University of Virginia has announced a major breakthrough in sustainable construction with 3D concrete . Researchers led by Osman Ozbulut have developed a new cement composite enhanced with graphene and limestone. This innovative material reduces carbon emissions by 31%, making it a promising option for the construction of the future.
3D Concrete Development
To create this concrete, the scientists combined graphene with LC2 cement, made from calcined limestone and clay. According to Ozbulut, this mixture increases the durability of the material and allows it to retain the flexibility needed for 3D printing in construction . Collaboration with the Virginia Transportation Research Council allowed the team to evaluate the practical applications of this composite in infrastructure, especially in the transportation sector.
Zhangfan Jiang, a researcher on the team, conducted a life cycle assessment (LCA) to verify the environmental impact of this concrete. The results were encouraging, revealing that the material is not only strong and durable, but also environmentally friendly compared to conventional concrete mixes. This advance is a step towards greener and more sustainable construction , as highlighted by Lisa Colosi Peterson, a collaborator on the study.
The research team, which includes Tugba Baytak, Tawfeeq Gdeh and Gabriel Arce, notes that such innovations will enable more responsible architectural development aligned with global climate goals.
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Source: ScienceDirect
Photo: Shutterstock