A team from Jackson, DB Group and Axtell claims to have achieved a 77% reduction in CO2 by using the new Cemfree concrete mix on the Woodford West Viaduct on the UK's M25 motorway.
Working on behalf of highways management consortium Connect Plus, this is the first time the DB Group-developed Cemfree product has been used volumetrically. The partners say the potential for reducing carbon emissions on future highways projects is extensive.
Cemfree was successfully piloted at the Woodford West Viaduct to pour a concrete hardstanding underneath the structure. This initial application amounted to 52m3of concrete, leading to a claimed saving of 9.4 tonnes of CO2, when compared to using a conventional mix, which the partners say greatly reduces the environmental impact.
Civil engineering firm Jackson has been working with low carbon concrete for the past few years. The company says it has always been challenging to use on the M25, due to the availability of batching plants, which usually shut at night.
It adds that the Woodford West Viaduct trial has proven the suitability of volumetric mix trucks, which are able to produce the right amount of concrete at the right time, day or night, without having to rely on a batching plant to dedicate an entire silo to the product.
Jackson’s highways division director Paul Watson said: “We’re really pleased to have introduced ultra-low carbon concrete to the M25, and credit must go to our client Connect Plus, whom, as an intelligent client, supports us to trial new materials.
“Our work with Axtell has proven that we’re able to supply the low-carbon material at no extra cost, and without having to place a large order with a ready-mix supplier, which makes the material far more accessible to use on the M25. We hope this marks a turning point on the M25, and the wider Highways sector for using low carbon alternatives.”
Conventional concrete uses Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as a component which causes almost a tonne of CO2per tonne of material produced. The manufacturing process of OPC contributes 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions, twice as much as aviation, and is a major contributor to construction industry emissions.
Cemfree is claimed to remove the need for OPC completely using 95% ground-granulated blast-furnace slag and a 5% alkali activator instead. The CO2value of Cemfree is 114 kg per tonne, 77% lower than conventional mixes.
Tony Sheridan, DB Group’s commercial manager, said: “As well as enabling significant carbon savings versus a more traditional concrete mix, Cemfree offers enhanced durability and considerable savings in water consumption. Cemfree also allows contractors to consider larger pours with fewer joints as the relatively low heat generated during the curing process leads to less cracking in the finished concrete. Interest in Cemfree has grown considerably over the past few years as environmental issues and climate change have come more into public focus.”
