POTENTIAL OF CARBON DIOXIDE ABSORPTION IN CONCRETE

Abstract: Cement industry contributes to 5% of global CO2 emissions. To mitigate pollution, there is a need of CO2 sequestration into stable forms. Present research focusses on CO2 being channelized towards an important construction practice. This paper summarizes the potential of CO2 absorption in concrete. To verify CO2 absorption in concrete, an artificial CO2 environment for curing of concrete cubes using dry ice was created. Considering concrete of M20 grade, a comparative experimental study of water cured concrete cubes, CO2 cured concrete cubes, for penetration (using phenolphthalein indicator), and compressive strength was carried out. The result analysis of the tests indicated that CO2 cured concrete cubes showed 22.125% higher compressive strength than water cured concrete cubes and CO2 penetration of 13.5 mm after 2 hours. The rate of CO2 penetration and strength gain in concrete was found to be rapid in the early hours. It is shown that CO2 can prove to be a useful resource in the construction scenario, especially in the precast