Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced through the pyrolysis of biomass, is increasingly being explored as a sustainable additive in concrete. This course will provide an overview of biochar production and its diverse applications in concrete, from partial replacement of cement and aggregates to surface treatments of recycled materials. Attendees will gain insights into how biochar influences hydration, strength development, and durability, while also addressing the challenges of workability and admixture compatibility. The course will also highlight the role of biochar in carbon sequestration, waste valorization, and emissions reduction, offering a comprehensive perspective on its potential to contribute to carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative concrete solutions.
The contents of this course include four recorded presentations from the ACI 2025 Spring Convention:
1. New Value, Less Waste: Sewage Sludge Biochar into Concrete, by Garrett Benisch, Bioforcetech
2. Efficacy of Biochar in Concrete for Carbon Storage by, Seth Kane, University of California Davis
3. Biochar as a Sustainable Additive in Concrete with Natural and Recycled Aggregates by, Jiong Hu, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
4. Route to Biochar Integration in Concrete: Addressing Workability, Strength, and Admixture Compatibility Challenges by, Jose Paul, CEMEX