Green concrete cuts 90% more greenhouse gases

Louisiana Tech University is developing geopolymer concrete, an innovative and environmentally friendly building material, with a life cycle greenhouse gas reduction potential -- as much as 90 per cent when compared with ordinary Portland cement.

Developed by Dr Erez Allouche, research director for the TTC, and his team, geopolymer concrete utilizes 'fly ash', one of the most abundant industrial by-products, as a substitute for Portland cement, the most widely produced man-made material on earth.

"Presenting geopolymer concrete at a widely-attended public exhibition provides essential exposure to this emerging green construction technology," said Allouche.

Geopolymer concrete features greater corrosion resistance, substantially higher fire resistance (up to 2400 degree F), high

compressive and tensile strengths, a rapid strength gain, and lower shrinkage.

"We expect to see a growing number of commercial applications of this green and innovative technology across the construction industry, with applications in the area of transportation infrastructure leading the way," said Allouche.

Researchers at the TTC continue to work on ways to replace Portland cement with cementitious binders made from industrial waste.

Some next generation geopolymer concrete could last several times longer than ordinary concrete.