Sources: Urban Mining Northeast, New Rochelle, N.Y.; CP staff
Urban Mining CT is approaching large scale processing of Pozzotive, a concrete-grade pozzolan derived from glass raw feeds regardless of color, size, presence of ceramics or cleanliness. A charter facility in Beacon Falls, Conn. is equipped for 50,000 tons’ annual output.
“Bringing this innovation to Connecticut creates a perfect circular economy: We harvest and process 100 percent of our recycled glass, and use it in local, sustainable building projects, while also reducing transportation emissions and costly landfill space,” says lead Pozzotive inventor Louis Grasso. “It’s a win-win for our state and region.” In the ramp up to commercialization, he adds, Pozzotive Ground Glass Pozzolan has been used in mix designs for over 10 million concrete masonry units, 750,000 square feet of concrete pavers, and 500,000 square feet of prestressed plank.
Urban Mining underscores the effectiveness of its patented process for sorting, cleaning and milling waste glass. Differentiating Pozzotive performance from that of other ground glass pozzolans, the firm notes, are “Optimal and reliable particle size and a clean and consistent chemical composition. Particle size plays a huge role in the pozzolanic reaction that imparts strength and durability to high performance concrete. Years of testing and use have refined the manufacturing process for Pozzotive to tightly control the range of particle size to maximize the efficiency of its pozzolanic reaction.”
Urban Mining likewise cites the material’s potential to replace up to 50 percent of portland cement in a concrete mix design; increase concrete slabs or structures’ resistance to chloride penetration, sulfate attack, efflorescence and freeze thaw cycles; and, reduce embodied carbon dioxide on a nearly ton-for-ton basis.