CIE seminar Friday, March 30

Sulapha Peethamparan, assistant professor,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
Clarkson University

Friday, March 30, 3:30-4:30 p.m., 369 Link Hall

Cement- Free or Geopolymer Concrete: A Sustainable Infrastructure Material

The per-capita consumption of Portland cement concrete in the United States is more than two tons. Cement is the most expensive, and energy-consuming component in concrete. More than 70 percent of the material cost toward producing concrete is attributed to the cost of cement. In addition to high cost, cement manufacturing has significant impact on energy demand and the environment. One metric ton of Portland cement production consumes about 6 million BTU of energy and the burning of
fuel along with the chemical reactions is estimated to produce about one ton of CO2 per ton of cement produced. Thus, it is not surprising that cement manufacturing process is responsible for a significant portion of the global CO2 emissions. This seminar will address the proportioning and characterization of cement-free binder concretes or Geopolymer Concrete, where the binding action is generated by activating an industrial by-product through the use of commercial alkalis. A major benefit of such a material beyond its usage as an alternative to cement is that an industrial by-product material is economically utilized rather than land-filled.

Sponsored by Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
151 Link Hall
Syracuse University
Syracuse, New York 13244
Tel: 315-443-2311
Fax: 315-443-1243

Website: http://www.lcs.syr.edu/calendar.aspx?id=330

Contact Person: Heather Kirkpatrick
443-2311
chkirkpa@syr.edu