Russia: Developing technology to produce eco-friendly concrete from construction waste - Sarmad
Scientists from the Southern Federal University have developed an artificial intelligence-based program to design eco-friendly concrete mixtures for 3D printing, achieving a balance between high durability and increased use of recycled construction waste in concrete production.
According to the Sputnik news agency, the program analyzes the properties of the materials used and determines the optimal mixture that allows replacing part of natural resources, such as sand, with materials derived from construction waste, while maintaining the strength of the concrete and its suitability for 3D printing processes.
Researchers explained that concrete designed for 3D printing requires technical specifications different from traditional concrete. It must flow easily through the printer nozzle while retaining its shape after printing and supporting the weight of subsequent layers, which increases the complexity of designing its mixture.
The agency quoted lead researcher Ekaterina Kravchenko of the Southern Federal University as saying that selecting the concrete mixture is not limited to achieving final strength, but also includes ensuring its suitability for continuous and stable printing, while considering the quality of cohesion between layers and the direction of loads affecting its mechanical properties.
The scientific team noted that the new algorithm will accelerate the development of innovative building materials, reduce the need for numerous laboratory tests, and lower raw material consumption. Additionally, the resulting concrete can be used to print interior walls, facades, architectural elements, and parts of low-rise buildings.
This development reflects a growing trend toward employing artificial intelligence technologies to develop sustainable building materials that enhance the efficiency of the construction sector and reduce environmental impact, thereby supporting the transition to more sustainable cities with lower carbon emissions.
