Bio-Vault 3: Design and prototyping of a full-scale low-embodied carbon structure using biochar-based composites

Building materials made from bio-based feedstock such as biochar requires less embodied energy and has carbon sequestration capacity. Their use in construction reduces the overall Global Warming Potential (GWP) of building materials, facilitates environmental repair, and reduces climate impacts from environmentally intensive industry sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture. Bio-based composites are typically low in strength. As a corrective, a method was investigated in a previous work to develop structural strength through intelligent planning, execution and material characterization by designing and physically prototyping a small-scale geometrically optimized structure using biochar-based composites. The work demonstrated a prove of concept that biochar-based composites can be used for structural applications. This proposed study will refine the means and method and apply them to a full-scale construction.

The general objective is to design and physically prototype a full-scale low-embodied carbon structure using biochar-based composites. The proposed methodology will analyze structural forces and GWP in a structural and low-carbon optimization design framework according to the sub-objectives: 1) Construction means and methods refinement, 2) Full-scale fabrication and installation.

Faculty Supervisor:

James Forren

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Construction and infrastructure; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: