Alternative Cementitious Materials

Waste glass and other byproducts can make concrete with a lower carbon footprint.

glass bottles for recycling
About 26% of waste glass in the US is recycled; the rest–8.4 million tons–goes to landfills. Shutterstock image.

Do you want to make use of waste glass or other byproducts? Would you like to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint? We’ve been using alternative cementitious materials in concrete for decades.

  • Waste glass. We incorporated waste glass into the I-35W St. Anthony Falls Bridge in 2008. Since then we’ve worked with numerous clients to formulate new products using this plentiful resource. Now ASTM C1866 makes that easier.
  • Non-conforming fly ash. As coal-fired power plants close, fly ash that meets ASTM C618 is getting scarcer. We assess marginal fly ash and help you find ways to use it with confidence.
  • Geopolymer concrete. Alternative cementitious materials usually need activators to get the strength you want in a reasonable time. But these materials can be hazardous on a jobsite. We’ll work with you to develop practical solutions that workers can handle safely.

Have an idea or project in mind? Contact Mark Lukkarila, principal petrographer and materials scientist.