Carbon-negative Oceanit Reef for Aquatic Life (CORAL)

Oceanit proposes to develop a novel, durable concrete for use in various marine structures that incorporates a cementitious material produced from calcium-rich industrial waste streams and the direct capture of CO2. Oceanit will incorporate this carbon-negative cement with post-production or otherwise low-carbon aggregates such as fly ash, glass cullets, and/or blast furnace slag to produce a variety of concrete formulations that will be investigated for their durability and marine compatibility. To promote the establishment and growth of calcareous organisms, the surface morphology and hue of the concrete will be examined using 3D printer-enabled techniques. Textured surfaces will be created using 3D-printed molds, affording numerous advantages including easily customizable shapes, the ability to create internal regions that provide habitat for other marine species, and the flexibility to quickly and readily incorporate current best practices for coral outplanting.    Concrete specimens generated during this research will have to demonstrate that they can withstand rapid breakdown while submerged in costal underwater environments and subject to constant oceanic forces. Based on the selected formulation and materials for the concrete and aggregate, a lifecycle analysis will be performed to determine the carbon footprint of the material.