Database enables greener concrete

Cement is used to bind concrete, the most commonly used construction material in the world. But concrete production is a significant source of atmospheric carbon dioxide, responsible for as much as 8 per cent of greenhouse gases, writes the Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in a statement.

A new database called cemff (short for cement force fields), which was developed by scientists at ETH Zurich together with colleagues from around the world, aims to make cement more environmentally friendly.

cemff makes it possible to perform computer simulations with different types of inorganic materials that are present in cement, enabling manufacturers to test different mixes before making the actual cement. Thanks to the simulations of the different cement formulations, stronger, more durable cement can be produced that also curtails carbon dioxide emissions released during manufacture. 

“The publication of this common database represents a milestone for the field that will greatly increase the impact for molecular modelling in the development of new and eco-friendly cements,” said ETH Zurich professor Robert Flatt.

“I hope the open format and international base of the cemff database will encourage both the modelling and experimental community to create solid benchmarks,” added his colleague Paul Bowen from the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).