Project information
- Acronym: CO2FREE 2
- How to reduce GHG emissions when using concrete and cement for building new railway lines
- Sector: Rail System Forum/Infrastructure Subsystem Sector
(PoSE) - Project director: Rosa Casquero
- Project manager: Tuomas Kaira
- Status: ongoing project
- Project code: 2024/RSF/847
Project description
Concrete is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions, with cement accounting for approximately 85% of these emissions in concrete structures. The primary reason for concrete’s substantial CO2 footprint is the enormous quantities utilized in construction projects. To address this environmental challenge, there are two general strategies: reducing the emissions from the cement component in concrete and decreasing the overall amount of concrete used.
Building on the achievements of the CO2FREE project, our current initiative focuses on the development and validation of low-carbon concrete for use in railway infrastructure, such as bridges. Additionally, we are investigating methods to minimize the quantity of concrete required in these structures without compromising their safety and durability. Our goal is to create more sustainable concrete solutions that significantly reduce CO2 emissions while maintaining the structural integrity of railway infrastructure.
Project objectives
Define Low-Carbon Concrete Development: Establish the current state of low-carbon concrete development, focusing on its advancement and potential applications.
Assess Applicability in Railway Structures: Examine the suitability of low-carbon concrete for various railway structures, such as bridges.
Reduce Concrete Usage: Explore methods to decrease the amount of concrete used in railway structures and evaluate the impact of these methods on structural safety and longevity.
Establish Quality and Durability Criteria: Define criteria for cement and concrete that meet the quality and durability requirements as per EN 197 series “Cement,” EN 206 “Concrete - Specification, performance, production and conformity,” and new IRS standards.
Validate Cement through Testing: Specify laboratory and field tests needed to validate the performance and reliability of low-carbon cement.
Evaluate Impact on Concrete Sleeper Production: Assess the effects of low-carbon concrete on the production of concrete sleepers, including drying time, strength development, and recommended additives.
Project structure
This project will be conducted in collaboration with Technical Universities experienced in concrete structures, particularly bridges. The suggested stages are as follows:
Definition of Cements and Concretes: Define cements and concretes in accordance with EN 197 series “Cement,” EN 206 “Concrete - Specification, performance, production and conformity,” and new IRS standards.
List Tests for Validation: Compile a list of tests necessary to validate the use of cement in concrete structures, focusing on bridges.
Laboratory Tests: Conduct laboratory tests to validate the performance and durability of the defined cements and concretes.
List Recommended Cements: Identify and list known cements that are recommended for use in concrete structures, particularly bridges.
Innovative Workshop: Organize a workshop to develop innovative methods for reducing the amount of concrete (cement) used in structures without compromising safety and longevity.
Numerical Analyses: Perform numerical analyses of the best ideas generated from the workshop to assess their feasibility and impact on concrete reduction in structures.
