Crucial transition to application of cement replacement material: A heuristic approach to identify drivers and barriers, and to propose potential solutions (SCM-Force-II)

Research Project, 2022

It is impossible to discuss resource efficiency, circular economy and environmental footprints without considering cement. Portland Cement is the second most used substance in the world after water, and the largest manufactured product on planet earth by mass. Cement production is also the third largest source of anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide, accounting for approximately 8% of global emissions. Although other common building materials such as timber or steel, when available can replace fraction of constructions, however many infrastructures cannot be constructed without cement.Replacing cement with several sources of alternative cement replacement materials such as natural resources including volcanic ashes or calcined clays, as well as different sources of industrial waste ashes has been a major focus. However, although the technical aspects and the scientific knowledge required for application of these materials as construction materials is being largely investigated on and the potentials are demonstrated both nationally and internationally, we are still faced with several challenges prohibiting research to be realized in real life practice.This project, therefore, aims to create a conceptual understanding towards drivers and barriers for the identified technical opportunities in current required transition towards real-life application of cement replacement materials, through employing a Multi-actor Perspective (MaP) and process-based system modelling.