Spain: Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) are developing predictive models using artificial intelligence (AI) to produce cementitious material from construction and demolition waste. The researchers said that the material is a ‘cement-free cement’ which reduces the amount of demolition debris that ends up in landfills and reduces emissions because the material actively captures atmospheric CO₂. The CO2MCHRETE project reportedly demonstrates the feasibility of transforming demolition waste and steel slag into construction materials through mineralisation processes. The research team has also created a digital tool and an app to determine whether concrete from buildings scheduled for demolition can be reused.
The researchers analysed data from construction sites and laboratories and conducted tests using ultrasound, sclerometers and visual inspection, subsequently validated in the UPCT laboratories. The analysis integrated up to 100,000 data points to train predictive models assessing recycled concrete for three uses: fine grinding to produce geopolymers, filler material to reduce porosity and recycled aggregate to replace natural gravel.
The project is funded by the Centre for the Development of Technology and Innovation under the Missions 2024 programme and is led by Técnicas Reunidas with the participation of Cementos Cruz, Ferrovial and Urdecón, along with research centres including CTC, TECNALIA and UCLM. The technology has reportedly reached technology readiness level five, validated at laboratory scale.
