Innovative Wood-Hybrid Concrete for
Industrial Mass Production
Cemwood GmbH, based in Magdeburg, has developed a wood-hybrid concrete that can offset the Carbon footprint of conventional cement binders. The targeted use of mineralized wood chips as an aggregate forms the basis of this innovation. What’s particularly interesting is that the process can be implemented in production without any structural modifications or changes to existing processes.
“Operational processes within the concrete plant can be maintained without any problems,” emphasizes Karsten Schrang, a certified mineralogist and head of research and development at Cemwood. Implementation requires no additional investment in plant equipment, which represents a decisive advantage for manufacturers with ongoing mass production.
CO2-neutral precast concrete elements
With a volume fraction of up to 25% mineralized wood chips, the bulk density of the hardened concrete decreases to as low as 1,800 kg/m³. This is approximately 20% lighter than standard concrete. At the same time, however, the mechanical properties remain at a structurally sound level: Depending on the volume fraction used, the concrete exhibits a compressive strength of up to C30/37, with the workability consistency adjustable within the F3 and F4 ranges. The sieve curves up to 16 mm fall within the favorable range of 3.
The material is potentially suitable for a wide range of precast applications – from wall and floor elements to stair components and prefabricated garages. It can also be used for elements in gardening and landscaping. Additionally, it complies with taxonomy requirements and is DGNB-certifiable. More information about the product is available online at cemwood.de/holzbeton/.
