Low-Carbon Concrete Pilot Program


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CAIT project no.: CAIT-UTC-REG60

Fiscal Year: 2020/2021

Status: In Progress

Principal investigator(s): Reza Moini, Ph.D., (PI), Princeton University

Performing organization(s): Princeton University

Managing organization: Rutgers CAIT

In cooperation with: The Port Authority of NY & NJ
Partner project manager: Joshua DeFlorio, Chief, Resilience & Sustainability

Supported by: USDOT-OST-R

UTC, grant, or agreement no.: 69A3551847102

Summary:

Concrete is responsible for about 8.6% of the world’s CO2 emissions, despite the production of concrete having a relatively low carbon intensity compared to other building materials. The excessive release of CO2 from concrete is due to the vast quantities of the material produced each year. The goal of the proposed work is to provide the Port Authority with the ability to significantly reduce the embodied carbon of the concrete mixtures used in their construction activities. This will support agency wide GHG reduction target of 80% by 2050.

The intended outcome of the project is to provide concrete mixtures that can significantly decrease embodied carbon in Port Authority concrete placements. Additionally, the work will improve other areas of sustainability by working to close materials loops in the local region for waste glass and demolition waste. This study will also result in significant research progress in the comparison and development of LECC systems that will benefit the construction community at large.