Researchers from the University of Virginia have developed a more sustainable and eco-friendly concrete material by combining graphene with limestone and calcined clay cement (LC2). This new material offers enhanced strength and durability while significantly reducing carbon emissions, making it a powerful solution for addressing environmental challenges in 3D printed construction. The goal of the research was to design a printable concrete that performs better and is more environmentally friendly, and the addition of graphene to LC2 cement has proven to lower carbon emissions while maintaining the necessary strength and flexibility required for 3D printed construction.
Led by visiting scholar Tugba Baytak and UVA doctoral researcher Tawfeeq Gdeh, the study explored the flow properties, mechanical performance, and environmental impacts of this graphene-enhanced composite material. Collaboration with researchers at the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) allowed the team to assess the material’s potential applications in transportation infrastructure, further showcasing its real-world potential. The addition of graphene, known for its outstanding mechanical properties, to LC2 cement significantly improved its performance for 3D printing applications, making it an essential innovation for the future of construction.
A key aspect of the research was a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by postdoctoral researcher Zhangfan Jiang and environmental engineering professor Lisa Colosi Peterson. The LCA revealed that the graphene-enhanced LC2 concrete could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 31% compared to traditional printable concrete mixtures. This not only shows better mechanical performance but also highlights a lower environmental impact, making 3D concrete construction technology more sustainable compared to traditional 3D printing methods with higher carbon emissions. This research pushes towards greener building practices and addresses the urgent need for more eco-friendly materials in construction.
The partnership with VTRC was essential in uncovering the fundamental properties of the new concrete material developed by the UVA team. The collaboration further demonstrated the material’s potential applications in the transportation infrastructure, emphasizing its real-world applicability. The research team, which included members from both UVA and VTRC, was excited to be part of a project that addresses both the technical demands of modern construction and the urgent need for eco-friendly materials. It is clear that this collaboration and research effort are crucial for driving forward sustainable construction practices and addressing environmental challenges in the field of 3D printed construction.
The research article, entitled “Rheological, Mechanical, and Environmental Performance of Printable Graphene-Enhanced Cementitious Composites with Limestone and Calcined Clay,” was published in the Journal of Building Engineering in 2024. The study was funded in part by the University of Virginia’s 3 Cavaliers Program and The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). This funding support, along with the collaboration between UVA and VTRC researchers, has allowed significant progress to be made in the field of 3D-printed concrete, paving the way for more sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials and practices in the future.