Christian Doppler Laboratory

The aim of the research initiative Christian Doppler Laboratory (CD Lab) for waste-based geopolymer construction materials - GECCO2 is the establishment of a cutting-edge interdisciplinary competence center at the interface between waste, material, environmental, geo, and civil engineering sciences to develop a novel generation of waste-based geopolymer-based building materials with high (bio)chemical resistance following the concept of CO2-neutral circular economy. 

Advanced mineralogical, micro/nanostructural and (hydro)chemical analytics [e.g., X-ray and electron microscopy (FEG-EPMA, SEM, TEM), mass spectroscopy, X-ray microtomography, MAS-NMR etc.] will be linked with innovative monitoring tools (e.g., optical sensor systems, isotope/element tracers, fiber optic sensors) and complemented by experimental approaches, (micro)biological analyses, modeling and life cycle assessment calculations. Proposed material development and testing focus on reaction-specific processes at interfaces (liquid - solid - gas), proxy-based forensic reconstruction of physicochemical material properties and corresponding material adaptation to variable and possibly (in)favorable environmental and operational conditions.

This approach forms the basis for targeted and tailored optimization and development of durable, ecologically friendly, mineral-based building materials for the respective application areas. Envisoned application areas are (i) (bio)chemically aggressive systems in (waste)water transport and treatment, (ii) transport infrastructure [e.g. tunnel drainage systems, tension elements (prestressed/non-prestressed), supporting structures], and (iii) (bio)waste disposal and stabilization.

For further information visit the homepage of the Institute of Applied Geoscience.

Smaple of a residue-based geopolymer © Lunghammer, TU Graz

Project duration:
December 2022 - December 2024

Funding:
Christian-Doppler Forschungsgesellschaft, CDG

Project team:
Institute of Applied Geosciences, TU Graz:
Cyrill Grengg, Sara Raič, Delara Etezad, Sylvia Perchthold, Iris Zögl
Institute of Technology and Testing of Construction Materials, TU Graz:
Florian Mittermayr, Florian Steindl, Ognjen Rudić, Jürgen Liederer
Institute of Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering and Computational Geotechnics, TU Graz:
Stefanie Radinger
Chair of Waste Processing Technology and Waste Management, Montanuniversität Leoben:
Bettina Ratz
Laboratory for Structural Engeneering:
Bernhard Freytag
Institute of Structural Design, TU Graz:
Marcella Ruschi Mendes Saade, Alexander Passer