The broader impact/commercial potential of this I-Corps project stems from a new generation of cement formulations that will enable more cost effective maintenance, operation and (re)design of critical wastewater transport systems than are currently available. This I-Corps project leverages successful reuse of industrial byproducts for rehabilitating corroding utility conduits in place, as well as creating a new generation of corrosion resistant wastewater infrastructure. Industrial by-products that are otherwise discarded as low value, or hazardous wastes, are recycled in a way that concurrently strengthens concrete while substantially increasing its corrosion resistance. This I-Corps project investigates a competitive commercial approach to reduce resource consumption and pollution associated with replacing large masses of concrete, including, but not limited to subterranean utility networks. This enables a corrosion control strategy that is sustainable and synergistic with the protections that critical wastewater infrastructure provides for environmental health.
This I-Corps project exploits the ability of common charcoals and steel slags to confer antimicrobial properties into cementitious materials. Forwarding a new generation of inexpensive antimicrobial building materials is the heart of this I-Corps project. By incorporating small amounts of granulated industrial wastes, intellectual merit is realized by exploring engineering applications for new concrete admixtures that are effective against corrosion while conferring increased strength. While most concrete pipe rehabilitation efforts employ acid resistant resins to protect (damaged) concrete pipe, this I-Corps project leverages a preventative materials approach that inhibits the microbes responsible for the concrete corrosion process.
