Hawaii DOT tests CarbonCure concrete mix on Kapolei Interchange project

Updated Jun 17, 2019
Photo: BuildKapolei.com.Photo: BuildKapolei.com.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) is testing a sustainable concrete mix injected with waste carbon dioxide alongside a standard concrete mix on an access road for the Kapolei Interchange Phase 2 project, Big Island Now reports.

The side-by-side test will allow HDOT to compare the two mixes to determine if the carbon-injected concrete will work for road projects in the future.

“I am pleased to see HDOT moving ahead with CarbonCure, local concrete companies, and Hawaii Gas to reduce the levels of carbon dioxide emitted during the construction process,” said Gov. David Ige, according to the news agency. “As the daily baseline measurement for carbon dioxide in our atmosphere reaches the highest level in modern history, it is especially important for all of us to do all we can towards ensuring a sustainable Hawaii for future generations.”

The carbon-injected concrete is produced by Island Ready-Mix Concrete, which mixes waste carbon dioxide from Hawaii Gas into the concrete using CarbonCure technology. The carbon dioxide is then trapped within the concrete in mineral form, which improves the material’s strength.

“We are proud that Hawai‘i is looking at sustainable building practices to mitigate the effects of climate change,” said Aki Marceau, managing director for the Elemental Excelerator, a supporter of the project, the news agency reports.