Composition based on quick calcium-magnesium compounds in the form of briquettes, characterised in that said composition comprises quicklime in the form of milled particles at a concentration of at least 10% by weight and at most 100% by weight relative to the weight of said composition, said composition in the form of briquettes having a Shatter test index of less than 10% and the method for preparation and use thereof.

A concrete marine habitat substrate tile that is portable for a human and which provides an increased calcium carbonate content and interstitial spaces for feeding and providing a habitat for developing oysters is described. Specifically provided is a reef restoration and oyster growing tile comprising: a concrete tile comprising at least 25% by weight calcium carbonate; wherein the concrete tile comprises a base and a surface disposed on the base and comprising a plurality of spaced projections and interstitial spaces; and wherein the plurality of spaced projections and interstitial spaces provide a 3-dimensional surface.

Composition in the form of green or thermally treated briquettes comprising at least one quick calcium-magnesium compound comprising an iron-based compound and method of production thereof as well uses thereof.

A permeable floating concrete vessel for creating floating aquatic habitats is disclosed. The vessel includes an interior space to hold growth material and a plant. The vessels includes one or more channels so a root of the plant can extend through the channel and into a body of water in which the vessel is secured. The vessel is made from a buoyant material, such as water-permeable concrete material. In an exemplary embodiment the water-permeable concrete material includes a mixture of cement, glass microspheres, expanded glass aggregate, and microfibers. Two or more vessels may be connected together via a connecting member to form an array of the vessels.

The invention relates to a composition which contains modified chromate-deficient red mud, comprising a mineral composition of10 to 50 wt. % of iron compounds,12 to 35 wt. % of aluminum compounds,5 to 17 wt. % of silicon compounds,2 to 10 wt. % of titanium dioxide,0.5 to 6 wt. % of calcium compounds,0 to 1 ppm of chromium (VI) compounds, andoptionally additional unavoidable impurities. The composition, in particular the modified chromate-deficient red mud, contains a poorly soluble reducing agent for Cr(VI). In this manner, an inexpensive chemical composition is provided in particular as an iteratively functioning long-term adsorbent for pollutants in liquid, gaseous, and solid milieu. The invention further relates to a method for producing same and to uses thereof.

A method of producing artificial bio-soil aggregates based on foamed concrete for plant growth that can ensure sufficient moisture and plant nutrients for the habitat of plants in non-soil conditions; obtain a lightweight, durable, and deep soil layer, and continuously provide a favorable environment for plant growth. A paste is prepared by mixing cement with an admixture, such as ochre and burnt-furnace slag; foamed concrete is formed by adding foam bubbles with an appropriate foaming rate to said paste, thereby producing soil concrete. When the foamed concrete is used, a designated compressive strength can be ensured and a number of pore spaces are formed, which allow the air to be sucked and expelled therethrough and store moisture therein. Also, hydrogel that is incorporated into the foamed concrete may supply nutrients required for plant growth, improve pest resistance, and store and supply a large amount of water.

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

The present invention provides a bidirectional energy-transfer system comprising: a thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete, disposed in a structural object; a location of energy supply or demand that is physically isolated from, but in thermodynamic and/or electromagnetic communication with, the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete; and a means of transferring energy between the structural object and the location of energy supply or demand. The system can be a single node in a neural network. The thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete includes a conductive, shock-absorbing material, such as graphite. Preferred compositions are disclosed for the thermally and/or electrically conductive concrete. The bidirectional energy-transfer system may be present in a solar-energy collection system, a grade beam, an indoor radiant flooring system, a structural wall or ceiling, a bridge, a roadway, a driveway, a parking lot, a commercial aviation runway, a military runway, a grain silo, or pavers, for example.

A granular material may include a granular core including quicklime, the granular core having an overall concentration of CaO and MgO equal to or greater than 80% by weight. Optionally, a hydrophobic coating may cover the granular core. The granular core has compressive load until rupture equal to or greater than 50 N/granule, a slaking time t.sub.50 in water not exceeding 10 minutes, when the concentration of MgO is greater than 5% by weight with respect to the weight of the granular core, and a slaking time t.sub.60 in water not exceeding 6 minutes, when the concentration of MgO is less than or equal to 5% by weight with respect to the weight of the granular core. The present disclosure further relates to a process for preparing the granular material and to the use of the granular material in a metallurgical process or in the treatment of agricultural soil.