Emerging Technologies in Civil Infrastructure-Self-Annealing Concrete Powered by the Retained Heat of Hydration (Recorded presentation)

Self-Annealing Concrete Powered by the Retained Heat of Hydration (Recorded presentation)

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The presentation addressed ongoing challenges in the concrete industry, focusing on the rapid degradation of infrastructure and the disparity in performance between modern concrete and ancient Roman structures. The speaker highlighted issues like thermal shock and micro-cracking due to temperature variations in concrete curing, citing an example in Charleston, South Carolina, where a modern bridge exhibited premature deterioration. A novel concept introduced was "self-annealing concrete," where insulation is used during the curing process to retain heat and moisture. This method accelerates strength gain and reduces cracking and thermal stress, allowing for significant cement reductions and improved performance without sacrificing durability.<br /><br />The presentation outlined a practical implementation, where different mixtures were tested, showing enhanced strength and reduced carbon emissions. By retaining hydration heat and moisture, a continuous reaction enables finishing prior strength gains. This method also supports high supplementary cementitious material mixes, promising significant carbon reductions. Practical challenges include formwork insulation and managing project timelines, but the benefits suggest potential transformations in cement usage, driving environmental and performance gains within the concrete industry. The self-annealing approach encourages innovation in formwork design, aiming to achieve sustainable construction through reduced thermal stresses and carbon footprints.

Keywords

concrete industry

self-annealing concrete

thermal shock

micro-cracking

carbon reduction

infrastructure degradation

sustainable construction