The SNUG project aims to develop and demonstrate a methodology that is useful for the construction of new buildings or renovation works where the most appropriate system of materials or solutions with high thermal insulation is used. In this way, it aims to maximise energy efficiency and minimise greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by the building envelope throughout its life cycle (design, construction, renovation, operation and end of life), with the purpose of making its ZEB classification more easily achievable, taking into account the specific characteristics of the building and its environment, at an optimal cost level.
Within the research framework of the SNUG project, CTCON is involved in the experimental development of a new cellular concrete cured by hydrothermal treatment and produced from a series of wastes from different industrial sectors that provide essential chemical and mineralogical components for the manufacture of this type of concrete used on the exterior of buildings as an efficient thermal insulation system.
In the industrial production of cellular concrete, due to the quantities of cement and lime used, this type of concrete usually has a high carbon footprint. With the aim of significantly reducing the environmental problem, researchers from CTCON's sustainable construction and climate change area have succeeded in designing a cellular concrete with a low carbon footprint, reducing the amount of CO2generated in comparison with traditional cellular concretes. At the same time, this new material has mechanical and thermal performance suitable for use in the construction sector.
One of the most relevant activities of the SNUG project is undoubtedly this innovative study for obtaining the novel cellular concrete formulated from local waste. Several international entities from the construction sector are participating in the project, such as the CRH Group, an Irish multinational manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of cementitious building materials, and a subsidiary company of the CRH Group, ELPRECO (Romania), a manufacturer of cellular concrete and supplier in Eastern Europe.
After the optimisation of the formulations and the process of obtaining AAC (autoclaved aerated concrete) in CTCON's laboratories, the next phase will consist of carrying out industrial tests at ELPRECO's facilities under the supervision of CTCON researchers, CRH technical managers and engineers from the Romanian company.
