Development of Sustainable Concrete Through the Use of Black Carbon, Biochar, and Nano Silica from Sugarcane Bagasse Ash

This project seeks to advance sustainable concrete technology by investigating black carbon and biochar as cement replacements in the production of carbon-neutral concrete. These materials, known for their carbon sequestration potential, will be incorporated into concrete mixes, with a focus on optimizing compressive strength, workability, and durability, particularly surface resistivity. Additionally, nano silica derived from sugarcane bagasse ash will be added to enhance these properties, as black carbon and biochar alone may negatively impact concrete’s mechanical performance. This integration of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA)-derived nano silica with black carbon aims to create a viable low-carbon concrete mix that meets both structural and environmental performance standards. Therefore, the objectives of the proposed study are to : (1) Develop concrete mixes incorporating black carbon, biochar, and nano silica from SCBA; (2) Assess the fresh properties and compressive strength of the developed concrete mixes; (3) Evaluate the durability of the concrete mixes through surface resistivity testing, and (4) Perform a Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for the most promising mixes. The project will employ a comprehensive research approach, including detailed material characterization, mix design optimization, and durability testing. Material characterization will involve advanced techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction, to analyze the structural properties of nano silica, black carbon, and biochar. The concrete mixes will undergo standard workability, compressive strength, and surface resistivity testing to ensure optimal mechanical and durability properties. Finally, a Life Cycle Assessment and Environmental Product Declarations will be performed on the best-performing mix to assess environmental impacts. The tasks for this study involve the following: Task 1: Literature Review and Material Acquisition; Task 2: Quality Assessment of Biochar and Black Carbon for Concrete; Task 3: Nano silica Synthesis; Task 4: Mix Design and Optimization; Task 5: Mechanical Testing; Task 6: Durability Testing; Task 7: LCA and EPD Analysis; Task 8: Analysis and Reporting of Results, and Task 9: Relative Importance.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy2-lsu-01

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $Federal: 50000; Match: 50000
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306

  CY2-LSU-01

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Dunn, Denise

• Performing Organizations:

  Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge

  P.O. Box 94245, Capitol Station
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Principal Investigators:

  Noorvand, Hassan

  Berryman, Charles

  Hassan, Marwa

• Start Date: 20241001
• Expected Completion Date: 20250930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Admixtures; Ash content; Carbon black; Concrete; Nanostructured materials; Silica; Sustainable transportation
• Subject Areas: Environment; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01940066
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306, CY2-LSU-01
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Dec 17 2024 2:50PM