Sustainable Cement Chemistry: From Basics to Advanced

Karen Scrivener is a Full Professor and Director of the Laboratory of Construction Materials at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where she focuses on the intersection of academic research and industrial applications in the cement industry. With a strong background in material chemistry, she has significantly advanced the understanding of cementitious materials, particularly regarding the microstructure, hydration mechanisms, and durability of concrete. Scrivener is the founder of the Nanocem network, which has grown to include numerous academic and industrial partners, transforming research in cement and concrete. Her pioneering work includes the development of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) technology, which reduces CO2 emissions from cement production by up to 40% and is now implemented in over 50 countries. Recognized for her contributions, she has received multiple awards, including the Della Roy Lecture Award from the American Ceramic Society and election as a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. With an impressive H-index of 26, her research publications are widely cited, reflecting her influence in the field. Scrivener continues to lead initiatives aimed at making construction materials more sustainable while mentoring students and collaborating with industry leaders to address pressing environmental challenges.

Ruben Snellings, PhD, is a researcher at the Sustainable Materials Management Unit of VITO, the Flemish Institute of Technological Research in Belgium. He holds both an MSc and a PhD in geology from KU Leuven, Belgium, and has previously worked as a postdoctoral researcher at the Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research at UGent and as a Marie Curie Fellow at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Snellings is actively involved with RILEM, contributing to several Technical Committees focused on construction materials. His research primarily concentrates on developing low-CO2 cements and concrete, as well as exploring new alternative construction materials aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the construction industry. His work has significant implications for sustainability in building practices, making him a key figure in advancing research and innovation in eco-friendly construction solutions.

Aurélie Favier, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Building Materials at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), where she specializes in the rheology, durability, and sustainability of low-CO2 cements and geopolymers. She earned her MSc in Materials Chemistry from Montpellier 2 University and Evry Val d’Essonne, followed by a Ph.D. in Material Sciences from IFSTTAR in France. Favier is also the Project Manager for the MOOC on Cement Chemistry and Sustainable Cementitious Materials, which aims to educate practitioners and students about cement chemistry and its applications. Her research contributes significantly to advancing sustainable construction practices by developing innovative materials that reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production.

Dr. Xuerun Li is a postdoctoral researcher at the Laboratory of Building Materials at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), specializing in the study of cementitious materials. He earned his Ph.D. in Material Science from Nanjing Tech University in 2014, focusing on cement clinker and ye'elimite cement. His current research interests include X-ray diffraction (XRD) quantitative analysis using the Rietveld method, alite synthesis, hydration studies, and reactivity tests for supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Li has contributed to several significant publications in the field, exploring topics such as the kinetics of calcium sulphoaluminate, phase formation in cement clinker, and the stability of tricalcium silicate in Portland cement. His work aims to enhance the understanding of cement hydration processes and develop low-carbon alternatives for sustainable construction practices.

François Avet is a Ph.D. candidate at the École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), focusing on the hydration of Limestone Calcined Clays Cement within the Laboratory of Construction Materials. He holds both a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Materials Science from EPFL, where he has developed a strong foundation in the study of cementitious materials. His primary research area involves assessing the hydration, microstructure, and reactivity of calcined clays as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). Avet is known for his significant contributions to the field, including co-authoring the paper "Development of a new rapid, relevant and reliable (R3) test method to evaluate the pozzolanic reactivity of calcined kaolinitic clays," published in Cement and Concrete Research. His work aims to enhance the understanding of how calcined clays can improve sustainability in cement production, contributing to the development of more environmentally friendly construction materials.

Zhangli Hu is a Ph.D. candidate at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), specializing in the prediction and simulation of autogenous shrinkage in cementitious materials. She holds both a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in civil engineering from Hunan University, China. Her research focuses on the hydration, microstructure, and mechanical properties of cement, particularly concerning early-age deformation and durability. Hu has contributed significantly to the field, co-authoring the paper "Corrugated tube protocol for autogenous shrinkage measurements: review and statistical assessment," published in Materials and Structures. Her work includes developing analytical and numerical methods to predict autogenous deformation in low water-to-binder ratio cement systems, with a particular emphasis on fly ash blended cements. Through her innovative research, she aims to enhance the understanding of autogenous shrinkage mechanisms, which is critical for improving the performance and longevity of concrete structures.

Fernando Martirena is the Director of the Center for Research & Development of Structures and Materials (CIDEM) at the Marta Abreu Central University of Santa Clara in Cuba. He is an expert in sustainable construction materials, focusing on low-carbon cement solutions and innovative building practices. Martirena has significantly contributed to the development of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), a sustainable alternative that reduces carbon emissions associated with traditional cement production. His research emphasizes the hydration processes and reactivity of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), aiming to enhance the durability and performance of concrete. In addition to his academic role, he directs Ecosur, a network aimed at addressing housing challenges in developing countries. Martirena's work has been recognized through various publications, including significant studies on pozzolanic reactivity and the implementation of sustainable materials in construction. His commitment to advancing sustainable practices in the cement industry positions him as a key figure in promoting environmentally friendly building solutions.