University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The Grainger College of Engineering
Illinois Center for Transportation

Lowering the carbon footprint of concrete: Opportunities for significant improvement

By Tom Van Dam on 09/7/2023 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in 1611 Titan Drive Rantoul, IL 61866

Join Tom Van Dam, of Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, as he presents in person at the Fall 2023 Kent Seminar Series Thursday, September 7, from 2-3 p.m. (CT).

This semester is set to feature 14 presentations, delving into a range of topics that address the intersection of transportation and climate change. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore various aspects of sustainable transportation practices, innovative green technologies and strategies for mitigating the impact of transportation on our changing climate.

Pizza and soft drinks will be provided beginning at 1:30 p.m. in the ICT Classroom. 

All presentations will be held on Zoom, but some speakers will present in person at ICT.

 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://illinois.zoom.us/j/81913202796?pwd=TW9KbkV4UEJkZC9GYm4vTzF5b2tQUT09

Meeting ID: 819 1320 2796
Password: 632432

Abstract and Bio

Civilization relies on concrete, with nearly two cubic meters produced per person annually. But this comes at a price: 5-8% of human-caused global greenhouse gas emissions stem from concrete production, with nearly 90% from manufacturing portland cement. Reducing these emissions requires using cements with little to no portland cement clinker and using less cement in concrete. Van Dam will outline why the concrete industry must lower its carbon footprint, present short- and medium-term strategies for significant improvement, and discuss current efforts and funding opportunities for demonstrating low-carbon concrete materials.

Van Dam is principal at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates.  His research focuses on low-carbon concrete, portland cement, alternative cements, supplementary cementitious materials, concrete durability, and concrete pavement materials, design, construction, and evaluation. He earned a doctorate, master’s and bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, all from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.