UTC 2022 Funding - Cycle 1 Research Projects

Project No.: CY1-UARK-LSU-01
Title: Advanced Environment-Friendly Concrete Materials for Rapid Infrastructure Repair and Rehabilitation
Performing Institution: University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University
Principal Investigator: Cameron Murray, University of Arkansas; Hassan Noorvand, Louisiana State University
Start and Anticipated Completion Dates: 10/01/2023 to 09/30/2024
Project Description: The United States has many infrastructure challenges in terms of maintaining and repairing an extensive network of aging roads and bridges. Additionally, an increased focus on environmentally friendly processes and materials means that there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate alternative cementitious materials and novel portland cement-based solutions to infrastructure maintenance issues. One promising technology is the utilization of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cements in the production of concrete materials. CSA cements offer several advantages, including lower carbon intensity (compared to portland cement), rapid setting, and low shrinkage. These properties make them an ideal candidate for rapidly replacing or repairing critical transportation infrastructure. In addition, Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) with superior ductility and mechanical strength have been proposed as a promising material alternative to extend the durability and service life of infrastructure. However, ECC typically requires a high cement content, leading to challenges such as increased hydration heat, autogenous shrinkage, and lower environmental impacts. To address these challenges, this project aims to investigate the feasibility of using CSA as a partial or complete replacement for cement in ECC without sacrificing its mechanical properties, specifically tensile ductility. The addition of CSA in concrete and ECC materials will be tested separately at the participating institutions. The PIs have planned activities to enhance collaborations between the University of Arkansas and Louisiana State University by sharing research findings, which include pursuing future collaborations and strengthening the connections between the researchers.
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