South Middlesex Times

Rutgers researchers are developing new alternatives to traditional construction materials to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining strength in harsh conditions.

The Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) has secured a five-year, $5 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to explore the use of steel slag in cement and concrete.

“This research has the potential to develop construction materials of the future that are more sustainably produced, durable, and resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said CAIT Director Ali Maher. “We are proud to work with the USDOT and our partners across the transportation industry on this critical initiative.”

Rutgers, along with academic and industry partners, will investigate innovative materials aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing infrastructure resilience and minimizing environmental impacts from the transportation sector.

Cement and concrete are crucial for roads and bridges globally but contribute significantly to carbon dioxide emissions. Cement production accounts for eight percent of annual global carbon dioxide emissions, much of which comes from building and maintaining transportation infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's recent investments call for around 28 million metric tons of cement, highlighting the need for sustainable building material research.

USDOT has identified steel slag as a promising cement alternative with substantial carbon reduction potential.

“A byproduct of iron and steel production, slag naturally has a chemical composition that can be used to reduce or replace traditional cement,” said Robert Miskewitz, research professor at Rutgers and principal investigator. “Approximately 16 million tons of slag was produced domestically in 2023, representing a significant opportunity for this material to be reused in innovative and sustainable ways.”

Rutgers CAIT collaborates with scientists and engineers experienced in various aspects of cement manufacturing, performance evaluation, and environmental impact assessment.

Academic partners include Oregon State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, and University of Florida. Industry partners comprise domestic steel manufacturers Nucor and TMS International, as well as Holcim, Levy, and the Slag Cement Association.

“Over the next five years, this team will work collaboratively with USDOT to test and validate the use of steel slag in the field,” Miskewitz said. “Together we can advance the adoption of innovative and sustainable building materials throughout the transportation industry.”