Principal investigator: Jialuo He
University: Widener University
Industry partner: SusMaX, Inc.
Artificial lightweight aggregates derived from sustainable sources have become a hot topic in the construction industry, driven by a growing demand from consumers and clients for sustainable lightweight aggregates. This proposed project partners with SusMaX, Inc., a hard-tech startup company converting coal combustion products from a local power plant into construction-grade lightweight aggregates (i.e., SPORA). SPORA is supplied by SusMaX, who features a tonnage production line. SPORA provides an alternative approach to diverting the coal combustion products from landfills. The project will carry out in-depth evaluation of fresh and hardened lightweight concrete with SPORA and develop an optimal mix design for comparison of strength and durability with other commercial products. Applications of lightweight concrete with SPORA will target nonstructural elements such as sidewalks initially and eventually structural elements like beams.