Researchers have developed a new type of concrete that incorporates graphene and can be 3D printed, leading to greater strength and a 31% reduction in carbon emissions, thus promoting sustainable building practices.
A team from the University of Virginia has made promising progress in the evolving domain of 3D-printed concrete by creating a more sustainable cementitious composite. This innovative material blends graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement (LC2), resulting in improved strength and durability while greatly lowering carbon emissions, making it an effective solution to tackle the environmental issues linked to 3D-printed construction.
“Our aim was to create a printable concrete that not only performs better but is also environmentally friendly,” stated Osman Ozbulut, a professor at UVA’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “Incorporating graphene into LC2 cement provides a remarkable opportunity to cut carbon emissions without compromising the strength and flexibility required for 3D printed structures.”
The research, which examined the material’s flow characteristics, mechanical performance, and environmental impact, was spearheaded by visiting scholar Tugba Baytak and doctoral researchers Tawfeeq Gdeh at the Resilient and Advanced Infrastructure Laboratory at UVA. In partnership with the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC), Baytak and Gdeh integrated graphene—renowned for its superior mechanical properties—into LC2 cement, significantly enhancing its functionality for 3D printing.
“Innovations like this are crucial for the future of construction, and I’m thrilled to contribute to this initiative,” said Baytak.
A vital component of this study was a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carried out by postdoctoral researcher Zhangfan Jiang in tandem with environmental engineering professor Lisa Colosi Peterson at UVA. The LCA demonstrated that this graphene-modified LC2 concrete could lower greenhouse gas emissions by around 31% compared to standard printable concrete mixes.
“Understanding the complete environmental impact of this new concrete was essential,” Jiang stated. “It not only offers superior mechanical performance but also reduces environmental burden, making 3D concrete construction technology more sustainable than conventional 3D printing techniques that generate higher carbon emissions.”
“It’s gratifying to witness science guiding us toward greener construction practices,” commented Colosi Peterson.
Collaborating with VTRC enabled the UVA team to explore potential uses of this material in transportation infrastructure, highlighting its practical advantages. “Working with VTRC was crucial in revealing the fundamental properties of this new concrete,” Ozbulut remarked.
“Being involved in a project that addresses the technical needs of contemporary construction while also fulfilling the urgent demand for eco-friendly materials is exhilarating,” expressed Gdeh.
The research team comprised Tugba Baytak, a doctoral candidate from Istanbul Technical University and visiting scholar at UVA; Tawfeeq Gdeh; Zhangfan Jiang; Lisa Colosi; Osman E. Ozbulut, all from the University of Virginia; and Gabriel Arce, a research scientist with the Virginia Transportation Research Council.
The study titled “Rheological, Mechanical, and Environmental Performance of Printable Graphene-Enhanced Cementitious Composites with Limestone and Calcined Clay” was published in the Journal of Building Engineering, 2024.
This research received partial funding from the University of Virginia’s 3 Cavaliers Program and The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK).
