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Course Description: AEC Daily: Not All Concrete Is the Same: Low Embodied Carbon Dry-Cast Concrete Masonry
Concrete masonry units (CMUs) are made from dry-cast concrete, which uses less cement and sequesters carbon at a faster and greater rate than wet-cast concrete. This course begins with an overview of concrete products and the differences between dry- and wet-cast concrete, then explores the relationship between concrete and the carbon cycle, recent research into CMU sequestration rates, and the results of mini life-cycle assessments comparing different wall systems. Finally, some practical strategies for further reducing embodied carbon are reviewed.
Recall the differences between dry-cast (CMU) and wet-cast (ready-mix) concrete and how these differences contribute to CMU assemblies having lower embodied carbon and higher carbon sequestration rates.
Explain why concrete sequesters carbon dioxide by first looking at the larger geologic carbon cycle and then the cement production carbon cycle.
Observe the embodied carbon differences for several types of wall assemblies and for CMU assemblies, incorporating recent industry carbon sequestration test results.
Recall several different strategies to lower the embodied carbon of dry-cast (CMU) structures at the design phase, cradle-to-gate stage, use stage, and end of life.