Explained: Cement vs. concrete — their differences, and opportunities for sustainability
Concrete is the world’s most consumed construction material. Yet there’s a lot the public doesn’t know about it or its environmental impact.
Taking the carbon out of construction with engineered wood
Substituting lumber for materials such as cement and steel could cut building emissions and costs.
New approach suggests path to emissions-free cement
MIT researchers find a way to eliminate carbon emissions from cement production — a major global source of greenhouse gases.
Exploring the effects of moisture and drying on cement
Study investigates capillary-induced deformations in cement’s porous structure.
Investigating a big dam concrete problem
Researchers working to address concrete durability get a close look at the impacts of a chemical reaction known to cause structural problems.
Designing climate-friendly concrete, from the nanoscale up
New understanding of concrete’s properties could increase lifetime of the building material, decrease emissions.
Improving pavement management in Jordan
Concrete Sustainability Hub researcher Omar Swei is working to help Jordanian planners optimize maintenance on state-owned highways.
Finding a new formula for concrete
Researchers look to bones and shells as blueprints for stronger, more durable concrete.
Riddle of cement’s structure is finally solved
Findings may guide development of formulas to make the material more durable, less CO2-intensive.
At the nanoscale, concrete proves effective for nuclear containment
New research shows concrete is a strong choice for the long-term confinement of nuclear waste.
Concrete Sustainability Hub names Randolph Kirchain as co-director
Engineer studies materials' role in manufacturing and infrastructure.
How to make stronger, “greener” cement
Analysis of material's molecular structure leads to a new formula that could cut greenhouse-gas emissions.
MIT research in concrete gets funding boost
The MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub seeks to advance the scientific basis for evaluating the environmental impact of concrete.
Paving the way to greenhouse gas reductions
New MIT report on concrete roadways shows opportunities for significant carbon-footprint cuts.
Researchers redefine the old ‘scratch test’
The centuries-old test for strength actually determines fracture resistance of materials.