Researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of Tokyo are tackling a growing paradox in construction: huge demand for sand in concrete and environmental damage from conventional sand mining, while vast deserts remain untouched because their sand is too fine-grained for use, tells Tech Xplore. Desert sand is typically unsuitable for traditional concrete because its smooth, rounded particles don’t bind well with cement. That forces widespread extraction of river and marine sand, which disrupts ecosystems and contributes to habitat loss and shoreline erosion.
The research team experimented with a novel material they call botanical sand concrete, combining desert sand with plant-based additives and tiny wood particles. They mix these ingredients and then apply heat and pressure to form a solid material. In laboratory tests, the material achieved strength levels that could be appropriate for paving stones and walkways, suggesting it might serve in nonstructural applications that don’t require the full strength of conventional concrete.
Scientists tested how factors such as temperature, pressing force, mixing ratios, and sand types affect the properties of the resulting material. Desert sand, once treated this way, performed better than expected and showed promise for further development.
One of the main advantages of botanical sand concrete is its potential to reduce reliance on crushed rock and river sand. If the material can be produced near desert regions, transport emissions could stay low, and local resources could be put to use rather than overlooked. However, researchers underscore the need for additional testing, especially to understand how the material will perform in colder climates and in larger structural uses.
The work, published in the Journal of Building Engineering, points toward new directions in sustainable construction materials. By turning a previously unusable resource into a viable product, the research could ease pressure on conventional sand sources and shrink the environmental footprint of building materials.