A digital analysis tool that can help to improve the sustainability of concrete has won Tarmac’s 2023 Innovation Challenge
The CHRYSO Quad Lab app from Saint-Gobain Construction Chemicals suggests the most suitable admixture solution for concrete mixes based on the sands it contains.
Admixtures optimise concrete mixes, for example to reduce the amount of water and cement needed, improve workability or speed up setting time.
Analysing admixtures for concrete sustainability
The Quad Lab tool creates a detailed report about the sand’s characteristics, including fines and swelling clay content, to identify and recommended the most suitable admixture solution.
This analysis enables more sustainable sands to be used in concrete mix designs as the designated admixtures maintain or improve strength without requiring increased cement or water.
This lowers the embodied carbon of a concrete mix, boosting sustainability and offering cost savings.
Circularity crucial to reaching net zero
Mark Lewis, procurement manager – CapEx and sustainability at Tarmac, said: “Circularity within the materials industry is crucial to reaching net zero and reducing our impact on the environment. To achieve our sustainability ambitions, we know that collaborating with our suppliers is key to developing innovative new ideas and solutions.
“CHRYSO Quad Lab brings a fantastic opportunity to use more sustainable sands in concrete mixes, and reduce the volume of cement required for strong, resilient concrete.
“Congratulations to the CHRYSO team for bringing this versatile and impactful tool to market. We are excited to take this initiative forward.”
Gerry Attree, national key account manager at Saint-Gobain, added: “CHRYSO Quad Lab, along with our advanced range of Quad admixtures, expands the types of sands useable in concrete production. This includes challenging locally sourced sands and recycled construction materials, which might otherwise have been considered unsuitable.
“By doing so, along with our business partner Tarmac, we are working towards providing sustainable construction material solutions, and reducing the carbon emissions from long-distance sand transportation, but also supporting the circular economy through the reuse of construction waste.”
