Cement and Concrete Technology
Although Portland cement-based concrete is the most commonly used building material, its use as a high-performance material in bridges and other reinforced structures and in demanding underground environments requires sophisticated engineering. The complex chemistry of modern Portland cement is incompletely understood, which can limit the use of the material in these demanding applications. Also, because production of cement is one of the largest industrial sources of CO2 emissions, new constraints are being placed on the production process.
To address these issues, we have initiated a strategic research thrust to develop cementitious materials for improved performance, better durability, and reduced environmental impact. With funding from both commercial and government sources, we are focusing on improving cements used in demanding underground environments and on reducing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of cement production.
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