LIVINGREEFS: ECO-CONCRETE FOR ARTIFICIAL REEFS AND OTHER MARITIME INFRASTRUCTURES
Principal researcher: JORDI PAYÁ BERNABEU
Team members:
- MARÍA VICTORIA BORRACHERO ROSADO
- JOSÉ MARÍA MONZÓ BALBUENA
- ANA MARÍA MELLADO ROMERO
- ESTER GIMÉNEZ CARBÓ
- LOURDES SORIANO MARTÍNEZ
- DANILO BORDAN ISTUQUE
Funding Agency:
Duration: 05/05/2022 – 30/09/2024
Reference: INNEST/2022/72
Abstract:
The main objective of this project is the development and validation of an eco-concrete, or sustainable concrete with a two-fold approach. On the one hand, concrete is based on the use of agricultural or industrial by-products and natural materials that require management. In this way, with the variation of the concrete composition, its carbon footprint will be reduced. On the other hand, concrete is enriched with nutrients and functional bacteria to improve the colonization process in the marine environment. This eco-concrete will also meet the requirements for its application in maritime infrastructures. The feasibility of reusing an agricultural by-product such as rice straw, which is generated in large quantities and for which, currently, there are no reuse alternatives, both in its natural state and its ash, will be explored. Another waste that has been valued, in this case of natural origin and requiring specific management, is the volcanic ash from the Cumbre Vieja volcano in La Palma, available right now in large quantities and with certain pozzolanic potential.
The most specific objectives are the following:
- Scientific-technological objective: development of a new concept of port infrastructure based on an eco-concrete with a reduced carbon footprint thanks to the introduction of recycled materials or by-products in its composition.
- Environmental objective: improvement of the growth and conditions of marine life in port areas, evaluating the carbon capture capacity of these port structures thanks to a special design and functional concrete surface
- Social objective: to promote social awareness to encourage port authorities to adopt this type of solution, integrating both port authorities and private entities in the development of this type of solution, also offering possible specific applications, which will have been duly validated.
- Industrial objective: to increase competitiveness in the maritime construction sector by introducing a new infrastructure concept, and adapting maritime-port infrastructure to meet the environmental requirements of the European strategy.
- Economic objective: reduce construction and maintenance costs in maritime-port infrastructure.
