Grant: Alliance Grants

Canada is dedicated to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions by 40-45% below 2005 levels by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. The building and construction sector, which accounts for about 30% of total emissions, is a significant focus for achieving these goals. Traditional construction materials, like ordinary Portland cement (OPC), used in reinforced concrete, contribute heavily to global CO2 emissions. This project aims to find new, low-carbon alternatives to reduce these environmental impacts. The project will develop a new building system using environmentally friendly materials. The main goals are to assess how this new low-carbon system performs structurally, create numerical models to predict its performance, and develop design guidelines for various building elements. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in carbon emissions from construction, better durability and performance of building materials, cost and time savings in construction, increased use of sustainable practices in the construction industry, and training high-quality personnel to support the industry's transition. Currently, there is no detailed study on how this innovative building system performs structurally. This research aims to fill that gap by providing detailed insights and practical design guidelines, placing Canada at the forefront of sustainable construction technologies. The project consists of two main parts: the first part focuses on material characterization and performance assessment, evaluating materials and building elements under various conditions; the second part involves developing numerical models and practical design procedures. This research will generate new knowledge in natural sciences and engineering, leading to advancements in sustainable construction technologies. The project's results will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost economic growth, and create new market opportunities. By promoting sustainable construction technologies, the project will enhance Canada's global competitiveness and support environmental sustainability.