S. Korean scientists develop clean, non-cement concrete

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 3 (Yonhap) -- A non-cement concrete that can help cut back on greenhouse gas emissions has been developed by South Korean scientists, the government said Monday.

The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology said a team of scientists led
by Chonnam National University professor Song Jin-kyu created a concrete that
eliminates cement altogether from the key building material.
The research project, which received state research and development funding, uses
blast furnace slags and fly ash to replace cement, which is then mixed with
"Effective Microorganisms" and light strengthening materials.
The removal of cement from concrete is important because the limestone sintering
process used in making cement burns huge amounts of fossil fuel, which generates
about 7 percent of all carbon dioxide contributing to global warming.
Song, who teaches architecture engineering and leads the university's Biohousing
Research Institute, said the eco-friendly concrete also has improved insulation
properties compared to ordinary cement, reducing building costs and overall
weight.
He added that the new material is more heat-resistant, does not emit harmful
heavy metals into buildings and is less expensive to make than regular concrete,
making it competitive as a future building material.
The technology to make the new concrete has been transferred to two local
companies that will start commercial production.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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