Revolutionizing Concrete: Green Solutions Without Additional Costs in Kansas
CHASM and Terracon Pioneering Green Concrete Solutions
In a groundbreaking initiative, CHASM Advanced Materials has teamed up with Terracon to demonstrate an innovative approach to concrete, effectively merging sustainability with high performance. Recently, in Wichita, Kansas, the teams conducted a significant pour of green concrete at Air Capitol Materials, establishing a significant milestone towards achieving scalable, low-carbon concrete solutions without the dreaded 'green premium.'
The Power of Carbon Nanotubes
CHASM, renowned for its leadership in carbon nanotube (CNT) technology, utilized its patented dry dispersion technology during this demonstration. This breakthrough allows for seamless integration of CNTs into conventional cement mixes, enhancing mechanical performance and durability without compromising workability. This means that builders can enjoy the benefits of improved concrete long-term while maintaining the same ease of use.
The recent concrete pour exemplified the strength and long-term resistance of NTeC®-C CNT-enhanced concrete, which outperformed standard industry strength requirements. The project involved placing a CNT concrete pad alongside a traditional concrete pad for a comparative analysis. Terracon will oversee continuous monitoring of the pour through embedded sensors, particularly in a location facing heavy traffic, with 300-500 truck movements daily.
Real-World Testing for Better Results
The conditions of this real-world application—where trucks weighing 80,000 pounds (36 tons) continually traverse—will provide valuable feedback as winter approaches. It is anticipated that the NTeC®-C CNT concrete pad will exhibit enhanced durability against freeze-thaw cycles and cracking compared to the control sample. This critical observation will help validate the performance of CNT-enhanced concrete in harsh environmental conditions and provide key insights into its potential applications in various infrastructure projects.
David Arthur, CEO of CHASM, conveys the importance of this development, stating, "Our technology proves that sustainability and performance don't have to come at a premium." This partnership with Terracon aims to deliver lasting change in the construction sector, emphasizing how nanotechnology can revolutionize both the economic and environmental landscapes of concrete production.
Terra's collaboration is vital, as it reinforces the commitment to sustainable engineering practices. The demonstration was successfully conducted with the aid of Andale Construction and significant input from Air Capitol Materials, ensuring a smooth execution.
The Commitment to Sustainable Engineering
As described by David Harwood, Senior Vice President at Terracon, the firm prioritizes practical and impactful innovations. The integration of CHASM’s CNT technology showcases a decisive step towards constructing more resilient, lower-carbon infrastructure essential for future development.
This development is not just a win for CHASM and Terracon; it represents the beginning of a larger validation program that will encourage more builders, engineers, and developers to embrace green concrete solutions that align with current environmental standards.
About CHASM, the firm aims to manufacture advanced carbon nano-materials to create safer, interconnected, and environmentally friendly products. With plans to establish the world’s largest multiwall CNT reactor in Norman, Oklahoma, CHASM demonstrates its dedication to supporting battery and cement applications while advancing green infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Terracon, an employee-owned consulting firm with over 7,000 professionals, focuses on solving engineering challenges across more than 180 locations in the U.S., embodying a cohesive approach towards industry innovation. By partnering with firms like CHASM, they are setting new benchmarks in sustainability within construction and engineering.
In sum, the collaboration between CHASM and Terracon promises to alter the future of concrete, proving that green solutions can be both economically viable and environmentally responsible.