immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Beton

  • NEST tests CO₂-reduced building materials

    NEST tests CO₂-reduced building materials

    The “Beyond.Zero” project brings together leading industry and research partners to test innovations in the construction industry under real-life conditions. The focus is on the development of new material technologies with significantly lower emissions and high innovation potential for the construction industry.

    A central element is the cement-reduced concrete developed by Empa and Omya. By replacing up to 70 percent of the clinker content with natural minerals, CO₂ emissions can be significantly reduced without compromising mechanical properties or durability.

    Practical test for new concrete technology
    The building material is being comprehensively validated in a real construction context for the first time in the NEST unit. From processing and volume stability to durability in operation. “Only by testing it in real buildings can we show that the new type of concrete is not only ecologically convincing, but can also withstand the demands of practical use,” explains Empa researcher Mateusz Wyrzykowski. This creates a basis for translating sustainable concretes into marketable solutions more quickly.

    Industry meets research
    As the world’s leading producer of industrial minerals, Omya is contributing its expertise and production capacities to the project. “The fact that we can test sustainable building materials directly in NEST under real conditions accelerates the transfer of innovations into climate-friendly construction methods,” emphasizes Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann.

    In addition to the cement-reduced concrete, further CO₂-reduced and CO₂-negative material solutions are to be developed and tested in the “Beyond.Zero” project. The aim is a construction system that significantly reduces the ecological footprint over the entire life cycle, from production to operation and dismantling.

    Signal for the construction industry
    With this project, Empa and its partners are creating a practical platform that will provide groundbreaking impetus for the transformation of the construction sector. In view of the high proportion of emissions from cement and concrete production worldwide, the project could become a milestone towards climate-neutral construction.

  • Digital concrete analyses for higher quality and sustainability

    Digital concrete analyses for higher quality and sustainability

    Sika has made a strategic investment of an undisclosed amount in the Canadian company Giatec Scientific, headquartered in Ottawa. In a press release, it describes the Zug-based speciality chemicals company as a “significant milestone in its overarching digital strategy”.

    Giatec develops sensors, software solutions and data analysis tools that improve the quality, durability and sustainability of concrete, from production to transport and processing. Sika anticipates that Giatec’s Artificial Intelligence-based precise analysis and optimisation of concrete mixes, together with Sika’s admixture technologies, will lead to “significant” cost and CO2 savings.

    Pouria Ghods, CEO and co-founder of Giatec, wants to “redefine the future of AI-powered concrete construction” through this strategic partnership with Sika. He sees the global presence of the new partner as a great opportunity “to establish our intelligent technologies worldwide”.

    Like Ghods, Sika’s Head of Construction, Ivo Schädler, wants to help shape the future of the concrete industry through digital transformation “working closely with Giatec and its network of strategic global partners such as Heidelberg Materials. By utilising digital innovation, we provide the construction industry with data-driven insights that improve sustainability and performance and enable the next level of modern construction.”

  • Concrete as CO₂ storage

    Concrete as CO₂ storage

    Reducing greenhouse gas emissions alone is not enough to slow down climate change. It is just as important to actively remove CO₂ that has already been emitted from the atmosphere. Empa researchers have calculated that up to ten billion tonnes of carbon could be sequestered annually through targeted CO₂ storage in concrete. In the long term, this process could help to reduce the CO₂ level in the atmosphere to the target value of 350 ppm.

    The concept is based on the conversion of CO₂ into solid carbon compounds that are used as concrete aggregates. In addition to concrete, other building materials such as asphalt or plastics could also contribute to storage. The challenge lies in incorporating large quantities of carbon efficiently and quickly into these materials without impairing their properties.

    Silicon carbide as a key technology
    One promising approach is the production of silicon carbide as a concrete aggregate. This compound can bind carbon almost permanently and at the same time improves the mechanical properties of the concrete. However, the production of silicon carbide is very energy-intensive, which is why the full utilisation of this technology is only realistic after the energy transition.

    Without the use of silicon carbide, it would take more than 200 years to remove the excess CO₂ from the atmosphere. However, a combination of porous carbon and silicon carbide could significantly accelerate this process.

    New paths for a CO₂-binding economy
    The “Mining the Atmosphere” research initiative aims not only to reduce CO₂, but also to utilise it as a valuable raw material. In addition to storage in building materials, carbon can also be used for the production of polymers, carbon fibres or graphene.

    However, technological advances as well as economic and regulatory incentives are required for successful implementation. The researchers emphasise that a combination of CO₂ reduction and active removal is necessary to mitigate climate change in the long term.

    Using concrete as a carbon sink could make a decisive contribution to stabilising the climate. A sustainable solution for the future of the construction industry.

  • Sustainable circular economy in the construction industry

    Sustainable circular economy in the construction industry

    One of the key challenges facing the construction industry is the reduction of CO2 emissions. By decarbonising processes and procedures in the gravel, concrete and recycling industry, companies can make an important contribution to sustainability. The autumn event offers an industry roadmap to help companies identify and implement sensible measures to reduce emissions.

    Optimising concrete as a building material for sustainable construction projects
    Concrete is still one of the most widely used building materials in the world. However, sustainability also plays a decisive role here. The autumn event will show how the sustainability properties of concrete can be optimised and used in a targeted manner. At the end of a building project, the question arises as to how materials can be reused. Options such as renovation, refurbishment or recycling offer sustainable solutions, which will be discussed at the event.

    Pollutant control and separation as the basis of the circular economy
    A successful circular economy requires the targeted separation and control of pollutants. This begins with the planning of a construction project and continues with material treatment and disposal. At the autumn event, the key aspects of pollutant separation will be explained, which are essential for achieving sustainable results in dismantling projects.

    Dealing with persistent substances such as PFAS
    Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) are a group of persistent substances that are increasingly becoming the focus of environmental research. These substances are ubiquitous and pose a particular challenge in the circular economy. The autumn event will provide insights into the possibilities and limitations of dealing with PFAS and highlight solutions that can be implemented in practice.

    Innovative decarbonisation projects in practice
    A highlight of the autumn event is the presentation of the world’s largest electric melting furnace for rock wool. This innovative project shows how decarbonisation is implemented in practice and what potential lies in the production of stone wool. Experts will gain practical insights into the technical developments and their contribution to a sustainable circular economy.

  • Largest 3D-printed housing estate being built in Texas

    Largest 3D-printed housing estate being built in Texas

    In the Wolf Ranch community in Georgetown, Texas, 100 single-storey houses are being built using the Vulcan printer from ICON. This 3D printer builds the houses layer by layer from a special concrete mix that is robust and weather-resistant. The construction process saves time and labour while creating walls that can withstand extreme weather conditions.

    Resilience and modern challenges
    The solid concrete walls of the houses not only offer excellent protection against extreme weather conditions, but also provide excellent insulation. This construction proves particularly useful in hot summer months, as the interiors remain cool and the air conditioning systems are relieved. However, the thick walls also pose challenges: the signal strength of wireless networks is impaired, which is why many residents rely on meshed routers.

    Building revolution
    The Wolf Ranch homes, known as the “Genesis Collection”, are available for between 450,000 and 600,000 dollars, and a quarter of the units have already been sold. The project demonstrates the potential of 3D printing to change the construction industry for good. ICON already built its first 3D-printed house in Austin in 2018 and is even planning to use the technology on the moon as part of NASA’s Artemis programme in the future.

    3D printing on the upswing worldwide
    3D printing in the construction industry is also picking up speed in Germany. the first 3D-printed detached house was opened in Beckum in 2021, and further projects, such as the publicly subsidised apartment block in Lünen, are in the pipeline. These developments show that 3D printing is becoming increasingly important worldwide and will potentially shape the future of construction.

  • Cement recycling – a cost-effective and efficient way

    Cement recycling – a cost-effective and efficient way

    The study recently published in the journal PNAS, led by Imperial College London and in collaboration with Empa and EPFL, shows that recycling cement paste from demolished concrete is one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce CO2 emissions. The process of CO2 mineralization, in which CO2 is absorbed into building materials such as concrete, could reduce emissions from cement production by around 15% – equivalent to 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.

    Cementpaste recycling is the frontrunner among the technologies
    Of the ten CO2 mineralization technologies examined, recycled cement paste proves to be the most promising. Cement paste, a binding agent for concrete, usually comes from demolished buildings and can be processed at low cost. Rupert J. Myers from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College emphasizes: “Our results show that CO2-mineralized cement could be a key technology for decarbonizing the construction sector.”

    Economic benefits and sustainability
    The study highlights that cost-effective CO2 mineralization technologies are up to five times cheaper than conventional carbon capture and storage methods. In addition, they offer a long-term solution, as building materials can store CO2 for centuries. Justin D. Driver from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College adds: “While CO2 mineralization is not an all-purpose solution, it offers great potential for reducing emissions in the construction sector.”

    Limitations and further research needed
    Ellina Bernard, a scientist at Empa’s Concrete and Asphalt Laboratory, points out that the amount of material available for carbonation is limited, which restricts the potential of this technology. Nevertheless, the potential CO2 savings of 15% are significant. Further research to optimize and reduce the cost of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies remains essential.

    Recommendations for the future
    The study formulates concrete recommendations for political decision-makers, investors and researchers:

    • Develop strategies to support the recycling of concrete demolition: the aim is to promote the recycling of concrete demolition in order to maximize emission reductions.
    • Focusing on competitive CO2 mineralization technologies: The focus should be on developing and supporting those technologies that have proven to be economical and effective in making optimal use of resources.

    Ensure transparency in the competitiveness of these technologies: To enable investors to make informed decisions, clear and comprehensible information must be provided on the costs, market opportunities and possible applications of the various technologies.

  • Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel

    Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel

    Integration and connection technologies
    A significant challenge in hybrid constructions lies in the integration of different materials. When joining wood and concrete, special fasteners must be used to take into account the different properties of the materials, such as the moisture sensitivity of wood.

    Developing an understanding of mixed-structure components
    Hybrid components combine two or more materials that are carefully selected for their specific properties. An example of this is the combination of concrete, which can absorb compressive forces, and steel, which is responsible for tensile forces. This combination results in innovative constructions that could not be realised with the individual materials alone.

    Applications in the field of prefabricated components
    In the field of prefabricated construction, hybrid construction methods are used in particular for the production of large and heavy components. Here, the components are first manufactured separately and later joined together to form a complete unit. This approach enables a more flexible design and simplifies transport and assembly.

    Revolutionary combinations for ceilings
    Innovative ceiling constructions with a sandwich cross-section use hybrid technologies to produce robust yet lightweight components. This advanced technology allows the integration of installation systems and contributes to the energy efficiency of the building.

    Combining wood and concrete
    The combination of wood and concrete in ceiling structures offers the opportunity to combine the strengths of both materials and compensate for their weaknesses. Wood can take on the load-bearing role, while concrete is used for sound insulation and the integration of heating or cooling systems.

    Innovative advances in the future
    The further development of hybrid construction methods strives to enable more efficient, more cost-effective and more environmentally friendly construction techniques. This includes improved manufacturing processes, increasing load-bearing capacity and speeding up the construction process. Overall, hybrid construction represents a forward-thinking approach to construction that combines the benefits of different materials to create efficient, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing structures.

  • Environment, costs and aesthetics: a comparison of concrete and wood

    Environment, costs and aesthetics: a comparison of concrete and wood

    Pro wood: the sustainability and warmth of wood
    Wood, a natural and regenerative material, has been used in construction for thousands of years and is currently experiencing a revival in modern architecture, particularly in the area of sustainability and environmental protection. As it grows, wood binds CO2, which can help to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thus counteract climate change. In addition, wood offers a warm and inviting aesthetic that is appreciated in many design concepts.

    Pro concrete: robustness and durability
    Concrete, a mixture of cement, water, sand and rock, is characterized by its remarkable strength and durability. It is highly resistant to fire, water and pests, making it a popular building material for a wide variety of structures such as high-rise buildings and bridges. In addition, concrete has excellent sound-absorbing properties and can be shaped into any desired form, which underlines its versatility.

    Contra wood: Wood used in construction is more susceptible to fire, pests and moisture. Special measures are therefore required to protect and maintain it.

    Contra concrete : The production of concrete is very energy intensive and results in a significant amount of CO2 emissions, which raises concerns about its environmental impact.

    The decision between concrete and wood depends on several factors, including the specific requirements of the project, environmental impact, cost and desired aesthetics. Concrete is prized for its strength and durability, while timber offers benefits in terms of sustainability, carbon footprint and natural beauty. Careful consideration of these characteristics is critical to making an informed decision that meets both the short-term needs of the project and the long-term goals of sustainability and environmental protection.

  • “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz” – A new trade association for the construction and recycling industry

    “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz” – A new trade association for the construction and recycling industry

    With the founding of “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz”, the merger of arv Baustoffrecycling Schweiz and FSKB Fachverband der Schweizerischen Kies- und Betonindustrie has created an important new trade association. The aim of this merger is to make a significant contribution to the future of the construction and recycling industry in Switzerland. The focus is on securing the supply of mineral raw materials and promoting a value-preserving recycling economy.

    Unity and strength through member merger
    Over 400 members have formally approved the merger after the decision was taken at the respective general meetings. The new trade association aims to expand its expertise, recognise upcoming challenges and play an active role in shaping the Swiss construction industry. The high level of organisation and broad representation at the time of foundation demonstrate the strong foundation of “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz”.

    Focus on a sustainable circular economy
    The trade association is particularly committed to the sustainable use of mineral raw materials in order to respond to the increasing scarcity of resources. The focus is on maintaining building materials in the economic cycle, developing environmentally friendly technologies and methods and working closely with universities, research institutions and companies. A new competence centre will help to reduce the ecological impact of the industry and restore the quality of habitats after gravel extraction.

    Strategically securing the supply of raw materials
    Another focus is the security of supply and disposal of mineral building materials, which is becoming increasingly challenging due to growing scarcity and strict protective regulations. The association strives to ensure the supply of construction sites and optimise the reuse of building materials.

    Innovative leadership and extensive networking
    Under the leadership of Lionel Lathion, supplemented by a versatile vice-presidency and a broad-based board, the association not only aims to pool expertise, but also to intensify cooperation at cantonal and regional level. In this way, “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz” is positioning itself as a central point of contact for politicians and authorities with a high level of expertise and problem-solving skills.

  • Building materials and recycling industry join forces

    Building materials and recycling industry join forces

    The trade association arv Baustoffrecycling Schweiz and the FSKB Fachverband der Schweizerischen Kies- und Betonindustrie are joining forces for a sustainable future for the construction and recycling industry. They have joined forces to form the Swiss Building Materials Recycling Association, the new association announced in a press release. Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz represents more than 1000 Swiss gravel quarries, concrete plants and recycling centres and thus covers over 80 percent of companies active in the extraction and recycling of mineral building materials.

    Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz is convinced that the future belongs to the circular economy. The association wants to use innovative technologies and methods in its own sector to extract mineral building materials in an environmentally friendly way and keep them in circulation. Gravel pits are to be renaturalised as habitats for flora and fauna once gravel extraction has ended. In this way, nature is “naturally integrated into the circular economy”, according to the press release.

    At the same time, Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz is focussing on supplying Switzerland with gravel and concrete. The large and localised areas required for the processing of mineral building materials are becoming increasingly scarce due to protection regulations and other uses, explains the association. It therefore wants to work to “ensure that the supply of high-quality building materials to construction sites remains guaranteed in the future and that these are professionally processed for reuse”.

  • Ecocycle technology from Holcim receives award

    Ecocycle technology from Holcim receives award

    Holcim’s Ecocycle technology has been named a “beacon of the circular economy in the built environment”, according to a press release. This was announced as part of a joint initiative by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum at its annual meeting in Davos. The award recognises pioneering solutions that demonstrate a novel, unique approach to the circular economy, proven and substantial impact of high value, and significant scale and maturity.

    Holcim already operates over 100 of its Ecocycle recycling centres. According to their own figures, they recycled almost 7 million tonnes of construction waste into new building solutions in 2022. This corresponds to over 1,000 lorry loads per day. This network is to be expanded to 150 locations by 2030. In Europe alone, the Group plans to recycle over 20 million tonnes of construction waste. Ecocycle makes it possible for concrete, cement and aggregates to contain between 10 and 100 per cent recycled demolition materials without compromising on performance.

    “With our advanced recycling of demolition materials, we can already reduce the carbon footprint of cement by up to 40 per cent,” Holcim’s Head of Sustainability Nollaig Forrest is quoted as saying. “This is just the beginning. With our innovations and partnerships along the entire value chain to further develop building standards, we want to accelerate the transition to circular construction in all the urban centres in which we operate.”

  • Pilot project measures potential of CO2 in recycled concrete

    Pilot project measures potential of CO2 in recycled concrete

    A pilot project led by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich(ETH) in collaboration with experts from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (Empa), the ETH Domain’s Water Research Institute(Eawag), the Paul Scherrer Institute(PSI) and the companies Kästli Bau from Rubigen BE and neustark from Bern, as well as 18 other partners, has shown that concrete demolition granulate fumigated with CO2 can save around 15 per cent of the greenhouse gas produced during its manufacture.

    A total of 10 percent of this is achieved by the novel building materials enriched with carbonated concrete granulates. Another 5 to 7 percent can be achieved because the concrete granulate enriched with CO2 makes the cement compounds in recycled concrete stronger than normal concrete. This is the result of complex measurements carried out by Andreas Leemann of Empa’s Concrete & Asphalt Department, among others: “A reactive phase, in other words, which is newly formed in the granulate and produces a higher strength in the recycled concrete. That surprised us,” he is quoted as saying in a media release.

    Further potential was also shown by the CO2 treatment of the so-called recycling water from water, cement and sand, which is produced during the cleaning of concrete vehicles and mixing plants. One kilogram of it could bind the considerable amount of 120 grams of CO2 gas. Life cycle analyses have summed up that the carbonated material can reduce the greenhouse effect by about 13 per cent net compared to concrete with conventional cement and without recycled material. For concrete with recycled material, the effect is still 9 percent.

    The project leaders will present the research results to the public at the so-called closing event. It will take place on 6 December at ETH’s Audi Max.

  • Empa researches clay as a sustainable building material

    Empa researches clay as a sustainable building material

    Clay releases significantly less CO2 than concrete, explains the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research(Empa) in a press release. Ellina Bernard from Empa’s Concrete & Asphalt Laboratory in Dübendorf and the Chair of Sustainable Construction at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich is working to establish clay as a sustainable alternative to concrete. Their project is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation(SNSF) with an Ambizione grant.

    Clay is found in different geological compositions all over the world. The sustainable building material could replace concrete in non-load-bearing structures as well as in load-bearing walls of residential buildings. For large-scale use, Bernard and her team want to define standards for composition and mechanical strength. On the other hand, additives must be found that increase the load-bearing capacity of the material. Conventional cement is currently still used here, but this pushes the ecological footprint of clay “back into the red zone”, Empa writes.

    Bernard, in collaboration with geologist Raphael Kuhn, has found a promising approach in magnesium oxide. In initial laboratory experiments with clay formulations, a compressive strength of up to 15 megapascals was achieved, Empa informs. Clay with added cement achieves up to 20 megapascals.

  • Sika invests in macro fibres in the USA

    Sika invests in macro fibres in the USA

    Sika is focusing on the market for macro-plastic fibres in North and South America. As the specialty chemicals company now announces, it has increased production capacities for these fibres at its plant in Chattanooga in the US state of Tennessee. Sika is thus positioning itself “even more strongly as a leading full-range supplier for the mining industry and a strong partner for sustainable construction projects”.

    Macro-plastic fibres reportedly shorten construction time by eliminating the need to install conventional reinforcement and significantly improve the properties of cured concrete compared to the use of steel reinforcement. They also increase the service life of concrete structures and thus their sustainability. According to Sika, these factors have a positive effect on the classification for ecological construction, for example in the international LEED certification system.

    Due to the construction of sustainable gigafactories and data centres in the USA, the demand for macrofibres for the production of abrasion-resistant floor slabs and industrial floors has also increased strongly, according to Regional Manager Americas, Christoph Ganz. In addition, the demand for macro fibres for shotcrete to secure tunnelling and mining is increasing in the USA as well as in Canada and Latin America. “With this sensible investment, we will further advance our market penetration throughout the Americas region and specifically tap the potential of strong growth markets.”

  • Neustark inaugurates its largest CO2 storage facility

    Neustark inaugurates its largest CO2 storage facility

    Neustark, a pioneer in the permanent removal of carbon from the atmosphere, is launching its largest ever facility for storing CO2 in demolition concrete. It has been built in Biberist on the demolition site of a paper mill and was planned together with the two demolition recycling and concrete production companies Alluvia AG and Vigier Beton, according to a media release. The two companies operate the facility.

    The Bern-based company, which was spun out of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in 2019, is tackling the world’s largest waste stream with its technology: Neustark has developed a technology and a value chain that transforms demolition concrete into a carbon sink.

    To do this, the company works with biogas plants to capture CO2 there. It is then transported to nearby storage facilities where the CO2 is injected into the granules of demolition concrete. This triggers a mineralisation process. In the process, the CO2 is converted into limestone and thus permanently bound to the granulate. Recyclers can reuse the granulate enriched in this way according to the usual process.

    “Neustark was the first company to demonstrate in practice that permanent CO2 storage through mineralisation in concrete demolition makes economic and ecological sense,” founder and co-CEO Johannes Tiefenthaler is quoted as saying. In its first months of operation, Neustark says it has already permanently removed more than 300 tonnes of CO2. The goal is to reach at least 1 million by 2030. Further plants are currently being built in Germany, Austria and France. Clients include UBS, Microsoft and Verdane.

  • New JED building in Schlieren to be built with zirkulit

    New JED building in Schlieren to be built with zirkulit

    The new building on the JED site in Schlierem is being constructed by the developer Swiss Prime Site in accordance with the principles of sustainability. According to a media release, the concrete is circular. This first circular concrete was developed by Eberhard Unternehmungen. It is now produced by Zirkulit AG, which was founded in Kloten in 2021.

    Thanks to a special recipe, zirkulit surpasses all previously known types of concrete in terms of sustainability. For the first time, zirkulit concrete combines the conservation of resources with a minimal CO2 footprint and can be used throughout the entire house, the statement says. With the installation of 8300 cubic metres of zirkulit concrete in the new JED building, a total of more than 10,000 tonnes of primary resources were saved and 83 tonnes of CO2 were bound in the material, it continues. The use of the concrete reinforces the transformation to a circular economy.

    JED (Join.Explore.Dare) is the site of the former NZZ printing works. Swiss Prime Site has already converted existing buildings there, which are used by the anchor tenants Halter and Zühlke. The new building will add office and laboratory space on five floors with a rentable area of 14,000 square metres.

  • Walo repairs important bridge in the USA

    Walo repairs important bridge in the USA

    Dietiker-based construction company Walo Bertschinger is rehabilitating one of the most important bridges in the eastern United States. According to an announcement on Facebook, Walo is rehabilitating the roadways of the twin Delaware Memorial Bridge over the Delaware River with its ultra-high strength and fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPC). It is the largest application of its kind in North America to date, extending the life of the bridge by decades, Walo’s announcement says. Three-quarters of the surface was completed in time for the summer break, it said. The final phase will be tackled in the autumn and completed in December.

    In its statement, Walo recalls that the bridge between the states of New Jersey and Delaware was designed 71 years ago by Swiss engineer Othmar Ammann. The bridge builder also designed and built the George Washington Bridge in New York City. The suspension bridge over the Hudson River connects Manhattan with New Jersey.

    The Delaware Memorial Bridge, currently being repaired by Walo Bertschinger, bears its name “Memorial” in memory of the fallen from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait after its occupation by Iraq.

    The Delaware Memorial Bridge connects Pennsville in New Jersey and New Castle in Delaware. On the website of the operating company Delaware River and Bay Authority in New Castle, the double bridge with a length of more than 3 kilometres is described as an important link in the transport system for the entire eastern United States.

  • Materials researchers work on climate-friendly concrete

    Materials researchers work on climate-friendly concrete

    A group of materials researchers led by Franco Zunino from the Institute of Building Materials at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich is researching compositions for concrete that can significantly reduce its CO2 emissions. The world’s most important building material is responsible for up to 9 percent of man-made CO2 emissions, the Swiss National Science Foundation(SNSF) informs in a press release. It is supporting the research with an Ambizione grant for Zunino.

    The researchers are using two approaches to develop a climate-friendly concrete. The first is to reduce the particularly CO2-intensive cement content of concrete by 60 to 70 per cent. To achieve this, new types of chemical additives are used, in particular so-called polymer dispersants. In the second approach, the use of binders is reduced.

    In its research, the group is “working closely with a major cement manufacturer”, explains the SNSF. An alternative to concrete is unrealistic, according to Zunino. It would take “a forest the size of India” to replace concrete with wood. Even a completely new building material would hardly be able to establish itself “on the streets in Nigeria, where concrete is perhaps mixed together with bare hands”. With a climate-friendly concrete that is suitable for everyday use, however, “the industry would have a solution in hand to implement its CO2 targets and save CO2 taxes”.

  • Empa is researching climate-friendly concrete

    Empa is researching climate-friendly concrete

    The Swiss National Science Foundation ( SNSF ) is funding a five-year project by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research ( Empa ) to research CO2 binding in cement. As part of the SNSF Advanced Grant, the scientists working with project manager Barbara Lothenbach will receive 2.2 million francs for their research project, according to a press release .

    The grant replaces funds from the European Research Council of the European Commission , to which Swiss researchers currently have no access.

    With the help of the funding, the Empa experts will carry out basic research in the field of CO2 binding in cement together with partners from the Finnish University of Oulu.

    The background to the project called Low Carbon Magnesium-Based Binders is that the cement industry releases large amounts of carbon dioxide. At the same time, concrete is considered a beacon of hope for binding CO2 and thus as a potential reducer of climate-damaging greenhouse gases if it is based on magnesium and not on lime as is usually the case.

    Starting in 2023, the researchers will find out how stable magnesium concrete is in the long term, how it can best be produced on construction sites and how temperature, pH value and other factors affect the molecular level.

  • Microsoft kauft CO2-Zertifikate von neustark

    Microsoft kauft CO2-Zertifikate von neustark

    Der Technologieriese Microsoft setzt bei der Reduzierung seines CO2-Fussabdrucks auf das Jungunternehmen neustark. Die Ausgliederung der Eidgenössischen Technischen Hochschule Zürich (ETH) mit Sitz in Bern hat eine Technologie entwickelt, mit der CO2 aus der Atmosphäre dauerhaft in Recyclingbeton gespeichert werden kann. Dafür wird flüssiges CO2 in Abbruchmaterial eingeleitet. Die Technologie der Firma ist bereits mehrfach in einer Pilotanlage getestet worden.

    Neustark setzt im Rahmen seines Geschäftsmodells auch auf den Verkauf von CO2-Zertifikaten. Damit können Unternehmen ihren CO2-Ausstoss kompensieren. Microsoft wird einer Medienmitteilung zufolge solche Zertifikate von neustark beziehen. Das Technologieunternehmen will bis 2030 mehr CO2 aus der Atmosphäre entfernen als es selbst ausstösst.

    „Microsoft hat sich für neustarks technologiebasierte Lösung für Carbon Removal entschieden, weil die Leistung bereits 2022 erbracht werden kann und ein erhebliches Skalierungspotenzial hat“, heisst es in der Mitteilung.

    Weiter wird Microsoft neustark auch im Rahmen seines Förderprogramms für Schweizer Start-ups unterstützen. Dabei erhält das Jungunternehmen kostenlosen Zugriff auf verschiedene Software-Lösungen von Microsoft.

  • Dutch central bank builds with new strength

    Dutch central bank builds with new strength

    The Dutch Central Bank uses CO2-neutral concrete in the renovation of its Amsterdam headquarters. This is made possible thanks to a collaboration between the Dutch New Horizon Urban Mining BV and the Swiss start-up neustark , according to a LinkedIn announcement .

    New Horizon’s technology makes it possible to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete by 75 percent, they say. For this, cement is obtained from concrete recycling material. The remaining footprint is offset by neustark. The start-up has developed a technology with which CO2 from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in recycled concrete. For this purpose, liquid CO2 is introduced into demolition material.

    Neustark is a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich ( ETH ) based in Bern. The company works with Holcim , among others, to drive innovation and sustainability in the construction sector. As part of the collaboration, neustark is investigating the CO2 conversion potential of Holcim’s recycled demolition concrete. Holcim, in turn, optimizes the concrete produced by neustark.

  • Researchers mix concrete on the ISS

    Researchers mix concrete on the ISS

    Experiments on the ISS (International Space Station) should help to better understand the hardening of concrete under conditions of weightlessness. Ultimately, they could help to develop more environmentally friendly compositions of the material without detracting from its positive properties. This is a joint project of the BIOTESC competence center at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hergiswil, the German Aerospace Center , the University of Duisburg-Essen and the University of Cologne .

    BIOTESC works on behalf of the European Space Agency ESA . This so-called User Support and Operations Center is one of four such centers at ESA. It supports researchers in conducting experiments in the infrastructure of the ISS.

    The research design for the experiments on the ISS also comes from Hergiswil. The 64 small test containers prepared there, each with different mixtures and injectable liquid, were tested, filled and packaged by the BIOTESC. Since there are plans for permanent presences on the Moon and Mars, some of them also contain moon dust, according to a press release from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The BIOTESC containers were checked for space standards at the ESA logistics center in Turin. Then they were flown to Cape Canavaral, from where they were rocketed to the ISS.

    The experiment was conducted on February 1st. The concrete samples will not return to Earth until the next flight in July. In the meantime, the containers developed by the BIOTESC have already been patented in Germany. According to BIOTESC research group leader Dr. Bernd Rattenbacher: “All material that has a solid and a liquid component can be mixed in it.”

  • Sika wants to grow in Africa

    Sika wants to grow in Africa

    Sika is positioning itself for further dynamic growth in Tanzania and the Republic of Ivory Coast. The company has moved into a new location in the East African economic center of Dar es Salaam. There, the Zug-based company now also produces mortar and tile adhesive in addition to concrete additives. This shortens the transport routes, according to a press release from the company.

    In the Republic of Ivory Coast in the west of the continent, Sika has doubled the size of its factory premises. With new areas for storage, offices and laboratories in Abidjan, Sika can double the production capacities for tile adhesive and repair mortar in the medium term and expand storage capacities. The neighboring countries of Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Mali and Sierra Leone will also be supplied from there.

    Sika is committed to “sustainable business activities in Africa” in the long term, Regional Manager EMEA, Ivo Schädler, is quoted as saying. “At both locations, we produce high-quality solutions that are used for large infrastructure projects.” As examples, he cites the metro project and the expansion of the seaport in Abidjan, the Standard Gauge Railway and the Julius Nyerere hydroelectric power station in Tanzania.

  • Empa concrete project receives funding

    Empa concrete project receives funding

    The Ernst Göhner Foundation , based in Zug, is funding a research project for high-performance concrete at the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ). She has now made an unspecified amount available to the Empa Future Fund as start- up funding, according to a media release .

    This supports a research project for more environmentally friendly concrete. This has a lower CO2 footprint than conventional reinforced concrete because it is more durable and stable. In addition, the self-tensioning concrete can be used more sparingly.

    The project is a so-called high-risk-high-gain project. "The risk of failure is high, but there is also a lot to be won," Masoud Motavalli, head of the research department for engineering structures at Empa in Dübendorf, is quoted in the media release. Since 2008 he had approached potential sponsors with the idea of prestressed high-performance concrete.

  • Holcim launches concrete innovation

    Holcim launches concrete innovation

    Holcim has developed a new high-performance concrete called DYNAMax. According to a media release from the Zug-based building materials group, it can be used to build thinner and longer structures than with conventional concrete. On the one hand, this enables larger usable rooms. On the other hand, material is saved in building.

    Holcim also paid attention to the overall ecological footprint of DYNAMax. In addition to the reduced use of materials, the product is characterized by local production, “short transport routes” and a recyclable and completely reusable profile.

    DYNAMax will initially be launched in Europe, North and South America and the Asia-Pacific region in 2022.

    “Given today’s population and urbanization trends, DYNAMax is an ideal material for building smart cities. It offers high performance so that you can build more with less, without compromising aesthetics and functionality, ”says Jan Jenisch, CEO of Holcim.

  • Holcim realizes a new concrete structure

    Holcim realizes a new concrete structure

    Holcim built the cantilever bridge called Bridge to the Future at its Hüntwangen plant. The company describes the filigree concrete platform for the acceptance of excavated material in a press release as “one of the most climate-friendly structures in the world”. This bridge was created in close cooperation with CPC AG from Andelfingen and the fiber composite materials ( FRP ) specialist group at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences ( ZHAW ).

    For this bridge, the concrete slab technology from CPC was used and further optimized. The company, founded in 2013, produces particularly filigree, stable and durable concrete slabs and components that are reinforced with pre-stressed carbon fibers (carbon prestressed concrete, CPC) instead of corrosive steel. This can save up to 75 percent of material and thus also CO2. This technology was developed and patented in a research collaboration between the ZHAW and the Silidur company from 2010. As stated in the press release, Holcim has since acquired a stake in CPC AG “as proof of its trust in CPC technology”.

    According to the information, Holcim used its clinker-free cement Locarbo for the Bridge to the Future. Compared to conventional cement, this has 63 percent fewer CO2 emissions. From this, Holcim has developed a high-strength recycled concrete. Its carbon footprint has been reduced from 210 to 138 kilograms of CO2 per cubic meter.

    FVK supported Holcim with feasibility and load-bearing tests as well as statics calculations. “This project is a highlight for us,” says FVK manager Josef Kurath. The individual material properties are “reflected in a unique way and optimally used”.

  • Milestone for sustainable building is being created in Zug

    Milestone for sustainable building is being created in Zug

    The construction project for V-ZUG ‘s new production and assembly building called Zephyr Ost in the Zug Tech Cluster is the largest to date in which CO2-enriched concrete has been used. It is made from recycled concrete from the building materials group Holcim , which is enriched with CO2 using a neustark process. According to a press release , the construction work started on Wednesday. The building is scheduled to go into service in 2023.

    For this climate-friendly concrete, CO2 from Switzerland is being used for the first time. The start-up based in Bern and spun off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH ) in 2019, neustark extracts the CO2 from the wastewater treatment plant of the ara region Bern AG .

    The recycled granulate for concrete production is processed by the recycling processing plant Arge EvoREC in Oberdorf NW. This is a joint venture between Holcim Kies und Beton AG and Zimmermann Umweltlogistik AG . The granulate is then carbonated by neustark using the dry process. The technology has been tested in the past few months and is now being used commercially.

    With the use of 4,200 cubic meters of recycled concrete and the binding of CO2, a total saving of 71 tons of CO2 is achieved compared to conventional construction. That corresponds roughly to the annual CO2 uptake of 3500 Swiss firs.

    “We are pleased to be able to come one step closer to our vision of climate-neutral and circular concrete production with the help of the innovative neustark process,” said Giovanni Barbarani, Head of Concrete Performance at Holcim Switzerland. “This project is a milestone on the way to sustainable building in Switzerland, also thanks to its regionality and short transport routes.”

    The Metall Zug Group wants to create “a new piece of the city for an industrial ecosystem” in the Zug Tech Cluster. Other industrial companies, start-ups, technology-related service providers, training institutions and apartments are also to be located there.

  • Sulzer and Blue Planet are working on CO2-negative concrete

    Sulzer and Blue Planet are working on CO2-negative concrete

    Sulzer and Blue Planet want to work together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable cement industry. For this they have now entered into a partnership. The Californian specialist for CO2 capture and mineralization uses technologies from the Winterthur company to reduce CO2 in order to lower greenhouse gas emissions from industrial operations.

    According to a press release from Sulzer, Blue Planet has developed a profitable CO2 capture, use and storage system that captures CO2 from a variety of emission sources such as power plants, refineries, steel and cement plants. The CO2 is mineralized in solid, crystalline form and thus permanently bound. The granulate is added to concrete as a 70 to 90 percent main component. As usual, these aggregates are then bound by cement. With a share of 7 percent, cement makes a significant contribution to global CO2 emissions. But the CO2 footprint of the cement in the concrete is "more than compensated for" by the CO2 bound in the synthetic limestone aggregates, according to Sulzer.

    "We are pleased to be able to contribute our expertise in circular applications to such a future-oriented project," said Sulzer's Chemtech division manager, Torsten Wintergerste, quoted in the press release. "It will help reduce carbon emissions from industrial applications and the cement sector – a major concern of our customers."

  • Circulit concrete is being delivered for the first time

    Circulit concrete is being delivered for the first time

    In Stadel, the recyclable concrete was delivered circulit for the first time. This will create three apartment buildings on Hinterdorfstrasse. “The circular age begins with the delivery of the first cubic meters of circular concrete,” writes the newly founded company , which calls itself just like its product, in its press release .

    Thanks to the use of 1850 cubic meters of circular concrete, the builder EBI Immobilien saves 3260 primary raw materials. It also reduces the construction project's carbon footprint by 18,500 kilograms. This is achieved by using a “new type of technology” to store CO2 in the concrete.

    This building material "gives me the opportunity to achieve a significant reduction in the biggest influencing factor, concrete," Sarah Heinle from EBI Immobilien is quoted in the press release. "We hope that other clients will follow suit so that we can achieve the ambitious environmental goals together."

    Theoretically, according to Circulit, the construction industry can remove 7.5 million tons of construction waste annually and at the same time store over 42 million kilograms of CO2 in the concrete. The technology is ready for the market and the national expansion has started.

  • Sika sets new standards in the recycling of concrete

    Sika sets new standards in the recycling of concrete

    According to a message from Sika , the Zug-based building materials group has "developed a new, groundbreaking recycling process for old concrete". With the help of additives, the demolition material is broken down into its components pebble, lime and sandstone. In addition, around 60 kilograms of CO2 per tonne of old concrete would be bound, writes Sika.

    "In the five largest EU countries alone, around 300 million tons of old concrete are produced annually," Sika CEO Paul Schuler is quoted in the press release. "By completely recycling, up to 15 million tons of CO2 emissions can be saved."

    The new process allows the complete recycling of concrete waste, explains Sika in the press release. Conventional processes, on the other hand, have only made it possible to recycle around a third of the raw materials recovered. The new concrete obtained in the reCO2ver process, on the other hand, comes close to that of new concrete in terms of quality.

    According to Frank Hoefflin, reCO2ver is a unique method in the industry for recycling old concrete. "We are already working on developing chemical additives and means to continuously improve quality in order to further advance the industrialization of our technology," explains the head of technology at Sika in the message.