Both events were organized by Prannoy Suraneni, an assistant professor in the College of Engineering’s Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering.
The first event, which took place on February 8 and 9, provided information about supplementary cementitious materials to graduate students and individuals from the industry. It was composed of 13 lectures and provided an overview of the most recent advances on the hydration of cementitious materials and blended cements, as well as how supplementary cementitious materials (which are often added to concrete to make concrete mixtures more durable, economical and sustainable) can help move the cement industry towards a greener future. The event, held in the Jose Milton Leadership Hall, consisted four speakers and 53 graduate students, researchers and industry professionals from around the world.
Two days later, the UMCoE hosted the LC3 Information Day event in the Newman Alumni Center. The event brought together industry professionals to provide information and updates on LC3, a new type of cement composed of a blend of limestone and calcined clay that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 30% more when compared to conventional cements. LC3, touted as the ‘cement of tomorrow,’ is relatively inexpensive and displays similar strength characteristics to conventional cement.
“Transitioning from conventional cement to LC3 does not require expensive modifications to existing cement plants,” explains Suraneni. “This makes LC3 an economically viable alternative to Portland cement – the most common type of cement in general use around the world.”
The LC3 Information Day received heavy international interest as 44 industry professionals from all over the world participated in the event.
