Lotte Engineering & Construction announced on the 7th that it has successfully applied its 'carbon dioxide reaction-hardening cement,' which hardens using carbon dioxide instead of water, at its construction sites.
Lotte Engineering & Construction explained that it participated in a national research project promoted by the government to develop technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the cement industry and has successfully completed a pilot application at the sites where it is constructing.
Lotte Engineering & Construction is participating as a joint research entity in the national research project titled 'Development of carbon dioxide reaction-hardening cement and construction secondary product manufacturing technology' led by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. This technology has been developed primarily in countries such as the United States and Canada. This research aims to localize such technology.
Limestone, the primary raw material for cement, is manufactured by heating it to high temperatures of over 1300℃, during which a large amount of carbon dioxide is emitted. The technology developed by Lotte Engineering & Construction allows for cement production at about 200℃ lower than that of conventional cement, thus reducing the amount of limestone used by 30% and cutting carbon dioxide emissions.
Furthermore, the 'carbon dioxide reaction-hardening cement' produced through this technology is an eco-friendly construction material that hardens in reaction with carbon dioxide, unlike conventional cement that hardens by water, allowing for the mixing of carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacturing process with the cement to reduce emissions.
Additionally, concrete secondary products made using this method, such as salt damage prevention coatings, paving blocks, and bricks, can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 70%, while maintaining a strength level similar to that of standard concrete, and offering superior durability, including salt damage resistance, Lotte Engineering & Construction noted.
In December of last year, Lotte Engineering & Construction applied a salt damage prevention coating based on the developed technology at the Busan Lotte Tower construction site and constructed paving blocks made using the developed technology in the landscaping area at the Osan Sema Traume construction site.
A representative from the Lotte Engineering & Construction Technology Research Institute said, 'By verifying the quality and usability of concrete secondary products made with carbon dioxide reaction-hardening cement, we could confirm the possibility of introducing eco-friendly new construction materials at construction sites,' adding, 'We will continue to secure competitive products through ongoing research and development.'