Projects and Literature

Our main research topic is the CO2-reduced circular economy of mineral building materials. Basic solutions found within the framework of the Helmholtz research programs are to be proven in practice and must be scientifically, technically and economically developed to higher technology levels. To this end, we conduct joint research projects with partners from universities and industry, which are supported by various funding bodies.

Mineralogie CircleMineralogie_Circle
ENERGY Research Field 2021 – 2027
Research program “Materials and Technologies for the Energy Transition” (MTET)

Within topic 5, “Resource and Energy Efficiency” we address crucial technology gaps in recycling of building materials.

Research program “Energy System Design” (ESD)

Within Topic 2.1 “Digitalization and Systems Technology for Flexibility Solutions” we focus on the integration of decentralized cement processing technologies in a decarbonized energy system.

Project partners

HZDR, FZJ, DLR

Contact
Peter Stemmermann, KIT, 0721 608 24391, peter.stemmermann∂kit.edu

 

Recycling cluster Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC): Optimizing demolition and separation of post use AAC and new routes for circular use of AAC

Project duration 01.06.2019 – 31.12.2022

Abstract

The upcoming end of buildings life time within the next years will lead to increasing amounts of post use AAC material from demolition. The Repost project deals with ways of reusing such material batches within the production of new AAC to avoid landfilling and save primary resources.

Project partners

Xella Technology- and Research Company

OTTO DÖRNER (GmbH)

KIT Institute for Industrial Production (IIP)

Funded by

BMBF Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Funding code: BMBF 033R249D

Part of ReziProK

Contact
Uwe Schweike, KIT, 0721 608 26001, uwe.schweike∂kit.edu

Peter Stemmermann, KIT, 021 608 24391, peter.stemmermann∂kit.edu

 

R-Zement: low CO2 production of di calcium silicate clinker from recycled construction material

Project duration 01.04.2021 – 30.06.2025

Abstract

R-Zement project aims at a pilot plant to establish a decentralized clinker production at a 10t/h scale. The newly found process generates di calcium silicate clinker (belite clinker) at a temperature of 1000°C. At the pilot plant level the rotary kiln will be electrically heated.

An advisory board with members from Baden-Württemberg administration, industrial associations and companies is set up to guide the project.

Funded by

Ministry of the Environment, Climate, Protection and the Energy Sector Baden-Württemberg

Webpage of Landesanstalt für Umwelt Baden-Württemberg LUBW

Förderkennzeichen: L7521115

Literature

Hunsinger, H.; Beuchle, G.; Stemmermann, P.; Schweike, U.; Warzycha, K.; Garbev, K.: Verfahren zur Herstellung von Dicalciumsilikat. DE 10 2012 108 022 B3

Contact
Meriem Sassi, KIT, 0721 608 23648, meriem.sassi∂kit.edu

Ulrich Precht, KIT, 0721 608 24034, ulrich.precht∂kit.edu

Günter Beuchle, KIT, 0721 608 25573, guenter.beuchle∂kit.edu

Innovation pool project 1: Energy transition and circular economy: Decarbonation and flexibilization of energy intensive recycling processes

Project duration 01.01.2021 – 31.12.2023

Abstract

Using thermochemical recycling of waste concrete as an example to simulated implications on mass and energy cycles. What needs to be considered to maintain stable power grids and economic production with increasing amounts of renewables? What is the impact of decentral but energy intensive processes?

Project partners

DLR Institute of Networked Energy Systems (VE)

DLR Institute of Low-Carbon Industrial Processes (DI)

FZJ Techno-economic Systems Analysis (IEK-3)

FZJ Energy Systems Engineering (IEK-10)

FZJ Systems Analysis and Technology Evaluation (IEK-STE)

HZDR Helmholtz Institute Freiberg for Resource Technology (HIF)

KIT Institute for Automation and Applied Informatics (IAI)

Funded by

Helmholtz Program-oriented funding - Association of German Research Centers

Contact
Gourisankar Sandaka, KIT, 0721 608 22952, gourisankar.sandaka∂kit.edu

Peter Stemmermann, KIT, 0721 608 24391, peter.stemmermann∂kit.edu

ünter Beuchle, KIT, 0721 608 25573, guenter.beuchle∂kit.edu

Feasibility study for holistic concrete recycling in in Baden-Württemberg

Project duration 01.01.2022 – 31.12.2022

Abstract

To evaluate recycling options for concrete in Baden-Württemberg a feasibility study is based on available data. The study should be amended by recommended actions where on going changes like concrete mixture optimization, new standards, new technologies in general are taken into account.

Project partners

KIT Institut für Massivbau (IMB)

KIT Institute for Industrial Production (IIP)

Funded by

Thinktank Industrielle Ressourcen-Strategien Baden-Württemberg

Contact
Günter Beuchle, KIT, 0721 608 25573, guenter.beuchle∂kit.edu

Ultraefficiency demonstrator for decentralized processes

Project duration 01.05.2021 – 31.12.2022

Abstract

This feasibility study deals with enhancing the circulation of materials, e.g. the demolition and material recycling of external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) in construction. The two main fractions, organic vs. inorganic, proceed to different value chains with chemical intermediates and mineral constructions materials as products. Ideally, a complete recycling is to be achieved and will be evaluated.

Project partners

KIT Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology (IKFT)

Funded by

Thinktank Industrielle Ressourcen-Strategien Baden-Württemberg

Contact
Pallavi Reddy Yarka Reddy, KIT, 0721 608 24657, pallavi.reddy∂kit.edu

Günter Beuchle, KIT, 0721 608 25573,
guenter.beuchle∂kit.edu

Low CO2 concrete by upcycling wastes from demolition

Project duration 01.11.2022 – 31.10.2025

Abstract

The aim of the project is the manufacturing of high quality and sustainable concretes with partial substitution of components by recycling products (RC) instead of standard cements and aggregates. Separately or in parallel substitution shall be achieved with

  • low temperature belite clinker (KIT process) added to OPC based cements and
  • mechanically prepared concrete fines.

A final test in the production of precast concrete parts will be based on the adapted clinker process, mix design and ratios, sulfate carrier and additives adjustment.

Project partners

Holcim Deutschland Zementwerk Höver

Sika Germany

EHL-Standort Kruft | EHL AG | Pflastersteine, Betonstufen, Palisaden

Leibniz Universität Hannover, Institut für Baustoffe (IFB)

KIT Institute for Industrial Production (IIP)

Funded by

BMWK Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action

Contact
Uwe Schweike, KIT, 0721 608 26001, uwe.schweike∂kit.edu
Peter Stemmermann, KIT, 0721 608 24391, peter.stemmermann∂kit.edu

Use and management of finest particulate anthropogenic material flows in a sustainable circular economy

Project duration 01.07.2022 – 30.06.2027

Abstract

Sub projects

Finest Micro Plastics – Finest Mineral Additives – Finest Disperse Metals – Finest Research School

Finest dust from industrial processes are to be recycled in existing or new value chains. As there is a wide variety of dusts, prominent examples like mineral dust from demolition, micro plastics and used fibers from composite materials shall be considered.

Project partners

HZDR Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

UFZ Helmholtz-Centre for Environmental Research

HZB Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin

TU Bergakademie Freiberg

University of Greifswald

Funded by

Helmholtz Sustainability Challenge

Contact
Peter Stemmermann, KIT, 0721 608 24391, peter.stemmermann∂kit.edu

Project duration 01.09.2022 – 31.08.2025

Abstract

CO2 will be tested to carbonate cementitious material in demolition materials or wastes. Both starting materials, reactions and reactors will be studied to set up a process model, i.e. a digital twin, a to evaluate a potential electrification.

Project partners

FLSmidth | Driving sustainable productivity

Università di Padova

NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology

HZDR Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf

DTU Technical University of Denmark

Funded by

EU Horizon 2021

Contact
Peter Stemmermann, KIT, 0721 608 24391, peter.stemmermann∂kit.edu