Heathrow Airport tests lower carbon concrete
London Heathrow Airport is testing the viability of using lower carbon concrete on runways, taxiways and pavements, cutting emissions by 50% compared to a conventional concrete. The trial aims to test the concrete’s durability and longevity in a true to life airport setting. It is – according to the airport – one of the first trials of its kind at any airport in the world.
Image by Heathrow Media Centre
The lower carbon concrete is an invention of PhD candidate at the University of Surrey who undertook three years of lab work. The so-called Ecocem/Cemex innovative concrete solution has the potential to radically reduce the carbon output of infrastructure projects at the airport. The aim is for the trial’s findings to be used to set out a blueprint that other airports, keen to reduce carbon from all facets of their operation, can follow.
Four test applications
International Airport Review reports that the trial involves four different test applications in a site close to the control tower. These will replicate use in a range of typical airport infrastructure applications, including airfield pavements, encompassing runways and taxiways.
Rigorous testing
Testing is essential, given the high-quality demand of an airport environment. With aircraft taking off and landing close to every 45 seconds at Heathrow, it is critical the concrete undergoes rigorous testing to ensure its strength and durability can withstand the pressures of the one of the world’s busiest airports.
