Performance modelling of low carbon options for infrastructure assets

The global construction industry is trying to decarbonise to meet strict net zero targets before 2050. Within the built environment this is typically being carried out through improvements in energy efficient design, however, in many infrastructure projects in China, decarbonisation will be primarily through appropriate selection of the construction materials to reduce “capital carbon”. The performance implications of using lower carbon materials e.g. calcined clay concretes must be fully understood if projects such as the planned high speed rail expansion or the Yantai-Dalian Tunnel are to meet their proposed design lives. Whilst the construction industry, as with many industries, are adept at data collection, collation, analysis and understanding data to inform future design and specification is still within its infancy and advances in analysis using tools such as AI provide quicker means to identify trends. This project will examine develops in low carbon concrete materials under laboratory and field application to determine critical performance parameters. In addition, the project will interrogate existing performance data sets to assess and optimise low carbon material options for a range of situations to assess whether our commonly held view of what is best for the environment rings true.

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