Development of Sustainable Construction Using Local Materials

Concrete is widespread, being the most used construction material in the world. However, its wide use also comes with large impacts. For example, the cement-making process alone is responsible for ~5-8% of all man-made global CO emissions.

The research team (PI: Hee-Jeong Kim and Co-PI: Kirk Dimond) was awarded $5,957 for their goal of developing more sustainable construction materials. This will be done by the development of new construction materials using locally sourced earth materials. Drawing on both culture and material history, the team will look to historical building techniques and designs as they explore alternatives to concrete. The final result aims to create a low environmental impact, low cost, and durable construction material that may also reinforce local aesthetics and supply chains.