Innovative Lightweight Concrete with Carbonated Magnesium-Based Pellets

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• The construction industry faces environmental challenges due to high resource consumption.
• Sustainable building materials are crucial for new constructions and heritage preservation.
• Heritage restoration requires materials compatible with historical substrates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop artificial aggregates for lightweight concrete for structural interventions.
• To reduce reliance on natural aggregates like sand and crushed stone.
• To create eco-friendly and compatible restoration materials for architectural heritage.

Main Methods:

• Magnesium-based binders were used to mimic lime mortar carbonation.
• Binders were mixed with water, shaped into pellets, and cured in a CO2 incubator.
• Artificial aggregates were incorporated into concrete for testing.

Main Results:

• Artificial aggregates reduced concrete density by approximately 16.5%.
• Compressive strength of 34.7 MPa was achieved with 14-day cured aggregates.
• Magnesium-based pellets demonstrated CO2 sequestration capacity.

Conclusions:

• Lightweight concrete with artificial aggregates is suitable for heritage restoration interventions.
• The developed material offers improved seismic safety for historical structures.
• Magnesium-based aggregates provide a carbon-negative solution for construction and heritage preservation.