Abstract:

There is a growing need in the construction and energy-production sectors to ensure and promote sustainability. First, the production of concrete is one of the most polluting processes, accounting for significant environmental impacts that are potentially dangerous for the current society and future generations. Second, the wind-energy sector is facing major challenges regarding the management of decommissioned wind-turbine blades, as their recycling is quite challenging due to their varied composition. These issues are being tackled directly in ongoing research by the SUstainable CONStruction (SUCONS) Research Group at the University of Burgos (Spain).

Within this frame, and in order to promote scientific and technological learning through these real-world sustainability problems, an educational activity was developed with six students enrolled in the Research and Excellence Baccalaureate (Bachillerato de Investigación y Excelencia, BIE, in Spanish), aged 16-17, from the Upper Secondary Education Centre Comuneros de Castilla (Burgos, Spain). The activity was entitled “Eco-Concrete: Building the Future with Wind Energy Waste”, and its main goal was to foster students’ understanding of practical and oriented research and innovation in the field of sustainable construction and recycled materials. At the same time, it was intended to introduce them to a real experimental campaign where they could apply the knowledge acquired in their studies while promoting circular economy principles and environmental responsibility.

This learning experience was structured into three sequential phases. In the first phase, a theoretical introduction was provided in order to give context to the students about the issues that are being faced and the current state of the art, establishing a proper framework to the subsequent research work. The second phase was the actual experimental campaign, starting with an explanation and preparation of all raw materials used for manufacturing of Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) mixes, including the sustainable material from Wind Turbine Blade Waste (WTBW) and its recycling process. Then, after casting the different samples, testing of specimens took place to assess the performance of physical and mechanical behavior of the resulting material. In the third and last phase, the obtained results were analyzed and discussed, deepening their understanding of the effects of WTBW on FRC and its comparison to conventional concrete mixes.

Through this initiative, the SUCONS Research Group was able to highlight the value of integrating authentic research into the Research and Excellence Baccalaureate, to showcase a real day in the life of a researcher challenged by complex and current sustainability issues. By engaging students in the development of sustainable construction materials while addressing environmental challenges related to WTBW management and concrete production, the activity finds common ground among theoretical learning and standard engineering practice, reinforcing students’ motivation towards these fields of knowledge. A post-activity survey confirmed favourable student feedback, evidencing increased motivation towards research and engineering, alongside improved awareness of sustainability challenges. Transversal competences such as critical thinking, problem solving, and environmental responsibility were also developed through this activity.

Keywords:

Sustainability, concrete, research and excellence, education, wind turbine blade waste.