Red mud-based concrete cuts carbon footprint by up to 79.8% in Trinity College Dublin study

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin are testing a new type of concrete made using red mud, a residue from alumina refining. The project, supported by Enterprise Ireland and carried out with Gannon Eco and McGrath Quarries, has progressed from laboratory research to trials using industrial batching equipment.

The university reported on 22 October that the geopolymer concrete formulations reduced the carbon footprint by 67.8–79.8 per cent against a CEM II-A/L cement reference. The comparison included raw material supply, transport and manufacturing.

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Laboratory tests also found that the formulations performed as well as or better than conventional concrete when exposed to sulphates, wetting and drying, and frost.

The team is now conducting trials with existing industrial batching equipment to address practical production requirements. Key issues include keeping the concrete workable during transport and placement, managing setting times and lowering the cost of the activators needed to produce geopolymer binders.

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Researchers are now adjusting admixture formulations and investigating cheaper activators made from waste materials. Long-term performance tests and regulatory approval will be needed before the material can be used more widely.