Production of precast concrete product that cures in 24 hours using carbon dioxide takes a step forward

2019-08-14T11:00:00-04:00

The product is the result of a six-year collaboration between LaFargeHolcim and Solidia and uses a special binder — produced at lower temperatures — and patented curing process that uses CO2 rather than water. By adding and absorbing CO2, Solidia Concrete reaches strength in less than 24 hours unlike precast concrete made with Portland cement, which takes 28 days to reach strength.

Construction Dive takes a look at a new business venture launched by LafargeHolcim and Solidia Technologies that will bring carbon-sequestering precast concrete production capabilities to the United States.

The new Solidia Concrete product, according to the companies, cures in less than 24 hours through a patented process that pulls carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Typically, conventional Portland cement-based concrete cures with water and takes nearly 30 days to reach its final strength. The product's first commercial venture will supply EP Henry’s paver and block plant in New Jersey with the reduced CO2 cement, according to a press release.

According to Construction Dive, the new concrete can potentially reduce the carbon footprint of precast concrete by 70 percent.

The quest for low-carbon cement is beginning to look a little brighter

2017-12-08T18:39:00-05:00

Since 2008, Solidia Technologies [...] has been quietly developing a new cement-making process that produces up to 70% fewer CO2 emissions at a cost that DeCristofaro claims is on par with or better than conventional cement. Solidia, which was formed in a bid to commercialize ideas developed at Rutgers University in New Jersey, is not the first company to attempt to make environmentally friendly cement. But industry experts say it’s the most promising yet.

"Of course, the startup now needs to show that this lower-emission cement can be made into concrete that’s at least as good as others, and can be scaled up in a way that’s affordable," Quartz explains. "That’s what Solidia is working on right now."

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Production of precast concrete product that cures in 24 hours using carbon dioxide takes a step forward

The quest for low-carbon cement is beginning to look a little brighter