Innovation in research on new binders

Author(s): John Provis
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: SynerCrete’18: Interdisciplinary Approaches for Cement-based Materials and Structural Concrete: Synergizing Expertise and Bridging Scales of Space and Time Vol. 1 & 2
Editor(s): Miguel Azenha, Dirk Schlicke, Farid Benboudjema, Agnieszka Jędrzejewska
ISBN: 978-2-35158-202-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-203-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 3-9
Total Pages: 7
Language : English

Abstract: The development and uptake of new cementitious binders is always a slow process, in a global industry which is both very large and necessarily very conservative. However, the drivers for diversification of the world's "toolkit" of cements are growing stronger, as we appreciate that it is not possible to meet the construction and infrastructure needs of global society with a "one-size-fits-all" material solution, as we seek sustainable development at both local and worldwide levels. This is fundamentally because human society is the sum (not the average) of a very diverse set of local scenarios, each with its own particular set of needs, and each with its own portfolio of resources. If we were to consider the average, there would potentially be a single best option that is valid worldwide - but this is not the case, and a technology (cement, concrete or any other material) which is sustainable and optimal in one location will often not be appropriate in another. This leads to the absolute requirement for development of a toolkit of cements, each of which is sustainable and fit for purpose in its own scenario and context. This presentation will give some examples of such cements, with a particular focus on alkali-activated binders, and will outline how innovation in materials science research is intrinsically interlinked with innovation in use and uptake of new materials.

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00