Optimised processes for the production of performance concrete constituents based on agricultural wastes

Abstract

In most parts of the world urban populations are growing. This inevitably requires resources for construction materials, which is a challenge to achieving global climate goals. Since there is no alternative to concrete as structural material, novel approaches are required to use cement in concrete more efficiently and to use as little Portland cement clinker in the binder for concrete. With novel approaches, Africa can spearhead green urban construction technologies globally, as the continent’s carbon emissions re marginal today in comparison to the rest of the world and the potential to use local resources are enormous. The authors of the paper develop conclusions on how bio-waste can be converted to organic and mineral concrete constituents that have a potential to create rural livelihoods and urban construction materials markets. A three-step solution including a hydrothermal process, a pyrolysis step and a co-fuelling process with brick production in a vertical shaft kiln is suggested to derive organic components, various by-products as well as bricks and pozzolanic cement replacements, respectively.