Sustainable development through biochar-added concrete

In order to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry, waste-derived biochar will be used to replace cement and aggregates in concretes.

The project will not only determine the optimum amount of biochar that can be added with respect to concrete’s mechanical properties but also determine the structural, sustainability and economic properties.

The project will run for four years, starting from early 2023, and will employ a PhD student and an early-career researcher.

Two different types of biochar, one fine and the other coarse, will be used to replace cement and aggregates, respectively.

The casting of the concretes with biochar and testing of their compressive/tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, microstructure and chemical makeup will be done according to standard protocols.

The sample with the best balance of the aforementioned mechanical properties will be tested for bond-slip resistance with steel rebars (having two different diameters, surface profiles and embedment locations), both at room temperature and after exposure to fire, using a universal testing machine.

Finally, the environmental and economic performances of biochar-added concretes will be evaluated by Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis, respectively.

It is envisaged that the project will enable the Swedish construction industry to realise the potential of biochar as an effective and sustainable additive in concrete structures.