The present invention relates to granular composite density enhancement, and related methods and compositions. The applications where these properties are valuable include but are not limited to: 1) additive manufacturing (“3D printing”) involving metallic, ceramic, cermet, polymer, plastic, or other dry or solvent-suspended powders or gels, 2) concrete materials, 3) solid propellant materials, 4) cermet materials, 5) granular armors, 6) glass-metal and glass-plastic mixtures, and 7) ceramics comprising (or manufactured using) granular composites.

In the present disclosure, a cement board is disclosed. The cement board comprises a core having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a binder including a pozzolan material and a water-resistant additive, wherein the water-resistant additive is present in an amount of less than 5 wt. % based on the weight of the pozzolan material.

In the present disclosure, a cement board is disclosed. The cement board comprises a core having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface and a binder including a pozzolan material and a water-resistant additive, wherein the water-resistant additive is present in an amount of less than 5 wt. % based on the weight of the pozzolan material.

Described herein is a process for paving a surface with an asphalt paving material, comprising the steps of laying asphalt paving material on a surface to be paved; and combining an asphalt rejuvenator and the asphalt paving material; wherein the asphalt rejuvenator and the asphalt paving material are combined immediately before, concurrently with, or immediately after the asphalt paving material is laid on the surface to be paved. The asphalt paving material may be virgin asphalt, or it may comprise reclaimed asphalt pavement and/or recycled asphalt shingles.

Described herein is a process for paving a surface with an asphalt paving material, comprising the steps of laying asphalt paving material on a surface to be paved; and combining an asphalt rejuvenator and the asphalt paving material; wherein the asphalt rejuvenator and the asphalt paving material are combined immediately before, concurrently with, or immediately after the asphalt paving material is laid on the surface to be paved. The asphalt paving material may be virgin asphalt, or it may comprise reclaimed asphalt pavement and/or recycled asphalt shingles.

A system and method for applying a construction material is provided. The method may include mixing blast furnace slag material, geopolymer material, alkali-based powder, and sand at a mixing device to generate a non-Portland cement-based material. The method may also include transporting the non-Portland cement-based material from the mixing device, through a conduit to a nozzle and combining the transported non-Portland cement-based material with water at the nozzle to generate a partially liquefied non-Portland cement-based material. The method may further include pneumatically applying the partially liquefied non-Portland cement-based material to a surface.

A system and method for applying a construction material is provided. The method may include mixing blast furnace slag material, geopolymer material, alkali-based powder, and sand at a mixing device to generate a non-Portland cement-based material. The method may also include transporting the non-Portland cement-based material from the mixing device, through a conduit to a nozzle and combining the transported non-Portland cement-based material with water at the nozzle to generate a partially liquefied non-Portland cement-based material. The method may further include pneumatically applying the partially liquefied non-Portland cement-based material to a surface.

Concrete that exhibits increased flexibility (i.e., low modulus of elasticity) and high compressive strength is described. High aspect ratio structures as may be formed of the concrete are described. Structures formed of the concrete can have the same high compressive strength as similar structures formed from a more conventional concrete but can be significantly more flexible, which can allow for better load distribution in the structure and associated assembly. The concrete includes a weathered granite as coarse aggregate. The materials can be particularly beneficial in forming concrete components of a rail infrastructure, such as railroad ties and slabs.

Concrete that exhibits increased flexibility (i.e., low modulus of elasticity) and high compressive strength is described. High aspect ratio structures as may be formed of the concrete are described. Structures formed of the concrete can have the same high compressive strength as similar structures formed from a more conventional concrete but can be significantly more flexible, which can allow for better load distribution in the structure and associated assembly. The concrete includes a weathered granite as coarse aggregate. The materials can be particularly beneficial in forming concrete components of a rail infrastructure, such as railroad ties and slabs.

A premixed photoluminescent composition and related hardened form and method of forming joints for pavers or stones. The premixed photoluminescent composition comprises solid aggregates; a photoluminescent particulate component adapted to emit light when photoexcited; and a binder. When in contact with an activator, oxygen or water, the binder is adapted to harden into a water-resistant binder matrix that bonds the solid aggregates and embeds the photoluminescent particulate component. In use, the water-resistant binder matrix has a transparency allowing transmission of at least a portion of the light emitted by the photoluminescent particulate component.