Concrete

Recycling Concrete

Published

5 months ago

June 13, 2024

Roshna

Cambridge University researchers have invented a groundbreaking method to recycle concrete and steel. ICR brings a special report.

That recycles waste concrete and purifies iron while producing carbon-zero cement, ushering in a transformative era of sustainability in the construction industry. This innovative approach heralds a significant shift towards environmentally friendly practices, potentially shaping the future of global emissions reduction and construction standards.
Concrete and steel have long been touted as the main culprits in CO2 emissions. However, a recent groundbreaking development by the researchers of Cambridge University has brought to light an innovative method that can recycle both concrete and steel simultaneously. This is likely to change the entire world’s outlook towards cement and concrete.
The pioneering new method is aimed at producing completely carbon-zero cement. By integrating waste concrete into steel-processing furnaces, the process not only purifies iron but also yields ‘reactivated cement’ as a byproduct. Utilising renewable energy in this method could lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions compared to conventional production techniques. The innovative approach involves converting old concrete back into clinker, essential for cement production, while utilising a unique lime flux replacement with recycled cement paste.
Initial trials have shown promising results, with potential for industrial-scale implementation to produce substantial amounts of environmentally-friendly cement by 2050. Notably, this advancement not only enhances sustainability in the construction industry but also underscores the broader scope for innovative solutions in achieving zero emissions. A patent has been filed for commercialisation, emphasising the transformative impact of this research, which has been detailed in the Nature journal.
Since concrete is the world’s most used building material, and banks a sizeable 8 per cent of global CO2 emission, recycling concrete has been major roadblock. The revolutionary new development might change the sustainability landscape of the global cement sector for good. While India has been at the forefront of sustainability in cement production, be it the use of alternative fuels and raw materials or other protocols such as waste heat recovery, recycling of concrete to enable cement production is bound to usher in a new era.
Speaking about this interesting development, Dr SB Hegde, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jain College of Engineering and Technology, Hubli, and Visiting Professor, Pennsylvania State University, USA, says, “The Cambridge discovery of zero-carbon cement is a groundbreaking innovation, addressing environmental challenges in both steel purification and cement production by recycling waste concrete in steel-processing furnaces. However, the method’s practicality depends on the integration of steel-processing facilities and consistent waste concrete supplies, posing logistical challenges.
Despite the promising concept, the technical know-how from Cambridge raises questions about the method’s suitability and viability for producing high-quality cement. Parameters such as compressive strength and durability need thorough evaluation. While small-scale trials are encouraging, extensive research and large-scale production trials are essential to ensure consistency and quality. The environmental benefits are clear, significantly reducing the concrete industry’s CO2 emissions, but the scalability, with potential for billion-tonne production by 2050, requires comprehensive studies on integration and supply chain management.
The researchers’ call for reducing excessive concrete use and seeking political support is vital for systemic change, with policy interventions needed for sustainable practices. Cambridge Electric Cement exemplifies innovation in achieving zero emissions, but it requires extensive research before its full potential and practical implementation can be realised, potentially transforming the construction industry and contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.”

Up Next

Martin engineering issues conveyor fires causes and prevention

Don't Miss

Voting for Change

Concrete

Construction Costs Rise 11% in 2024, Driven by Labour Expenses

Cement Prices Decline 15%, But Labour Costs Surge by 25%

Published

2 days ago

November 19, 2024

admin

The cost of construction in India increased by 11% over the past year, primarily driven by a 25% rise in labour expenses, according to Colliers India. While prices of key materials like cement dropped by 15% and steel saw a marginal 1% decrease, the surge in labour costs stretched construction budgets across sectors.

“Labour, which constitutes over a quarter of construction costs, has seen significant inflation due to the demand for skilled workers and associated training and compliance costs,” said Badal Yagnik, CEO of Colliers India.

The residential segment experienced the sharpest cost escalation due to a growing focus on quality construction and demand for gated communities. Meanwhile, commercial and industrial real estate remained resilient, with 37 million square feet of office space and 22 million square feet of warehousing space completed in the first nine months of 2024.

“Despite rising costs, investments in automation and training are helping developers address manpower challenges and streamline project timelines,” said Vimal Nadar, senior director at Colliers India.

With labour costs continuing to influence overall construction expenses, developers are exploring strategies to optimize operations and mitigate rising costs.

Concrete

Swiss Steel to Cut 800 Jobs

Job cuts due to weak demand

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

admin

Swiss Steel has announced plans to cut 800 jobs as part of a restructuring effort, triggered by weak demand in the global steel market. The company, a major player in the European steel industry, cited an ongoing slowdown in demand as the primary reason behind the workforce reduction. These job cuts are expected to impact various departments across its operations, including production and administrative functions.

The steel industry has been facing significant challenges due to reduced demand from key sectors such as construction and automotive manufacturing. Additionally, the broader economic slowdown in Europe, coupled with rising energy costs, has further strained the profitability of steel producers like Swiss Steel. In response to these conditions, the company has decided to streamline its operations to ensure long-term sustainability.

Swiss Steel’s decision to cut jobs is part of a broader trend in the steel industry, where companies are adjusting to volatile market conditions. The move is aimed at reducing operational costs and improving efficiency, but it highlights the continuing pressures faced by the manufacturing sector amid uncertain global economic conditions.

The layoffs are expected to occur across Swiss Steel’s production facilities and corporate offices, as the company focuses on consolidating its workforce. Despite these cuts, Swiss Steel plans to continue its efforts to innovate and adapt to market demands, with an emphasis on high-value, specialty steel products.

Concrete

UltraTech Cement to raise Rs 3,000 crore via NCDs to boost financial flexibility

UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore

Published

3 days ago

November 18, 2024

admin

UltraTech Cement, the Aditya Birla Group’s flagship company, has announced plans to raise up to Rs 3,000 crore through the private placement of non-convertible debentures (NCDs) in one or more tranches. The move aims to strengthen the company’s financial position amid increasing competition in the cement sector.

UltraTech’s finance committee has approved the issuance of rupee-denominated, unsecured, redeemable, and listed NCDs. The company has experienced strong stock performance, with its share price rising 22% over the past year, boosting its market capitalization to approximately Rs 3.1 lakh crore.

For Q2 FY2025, UltraTech reported a 36% year-on-year (YoY) decline in net profit, dropping to Rs 825 crore, below analyst expectations. Revenue for the quarter also fell 2% YoY to Rs 15,635 crore, and EBITDA margins contracted by 300 basis points. Despite this, the company saw a 3% increase in domestic sales volume, supported by lower energy costs.

In a strategic move, UltraTech invested Rs 3,954 crore for a 32.7% equity stake in India Cements, further solidifying its position in South India. UltraTech holds an 11% market share in the region, while competitor Adani holds 6%. UltraTech also secured $500 million through a sustainability-linked loan, underscoring its focus on sustainable growth driven by infrastructure and housing demand.