A research team from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has joined hands with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, to utilize high volume of by-products in structural materials in a novel way for a sustainable future.

This research aims for a paradigm shift in material selection criteria for exploiting the usefulness of agricultural and industrial by-products. By successfully utilizing vast amounts of otherwise-undesired materials, the next generation of sustainable and durable building materials could be designed at lower cost and environmental impact.

Led by Dr Piyush Chaunsali and Prof Ravindra Gettu, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Madras, with Dr Elsa A Olivetti, Atlantic Richfield Associate Professor of Energy Studies, MIT, the research project was taken up under SPARC Initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Elaborating on the project, Dr Piyush Chaunsali said, “A unique aspect of this research project is while there has been limited utilization of waste and by-products in structural materials such as concrete, this project aims at developing a novel framework for high-volume utilization of industrial by-products in alternative cementitious binders.”