Controlled low strength materials

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a biomineral supplemental blend for the replacement of hydraulic cement to create sustainable controlled low strength material (CLSM) with composition comprising a biomineralized algae, a silica source, pozzolan, biochar and / or bio-fly ash; and an aggregate; where the aggregate comprises a secondary binder, sand and / or rock, hydraulic cement, and filler material(s). Also disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a transportable dry biomineral supplemental blend CLSM dry paste composition comprising blending together a microorganism package, a biomineralized algae, biochar and / or bio-fly ash, and pozzolan; mixing the biomineral supplemental blend, with hydraulic cement, cementitious materials, and liquid media to form a sustainable CLSM paste; and mixing the sustainable CLSM paste with an aggregate to form a sustainable CLSM mix design.

Description

CONTROLLED LOW STRENGTH MATERIALS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This disclosure includes U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 641,693 filed on May 02, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] This disclosure relates to sustainable cement and concrete production utilizing a biomineral supplemental blend as a substitute for hydraulic cement, modifying the paste-to- aggregate ratio in a CLSM mixture to tune performance characteristics, such as compressive strength and removability modulus.

[0003] Concrete is the most used construction material owing to ease of access to raw materials, low cost of production, versatility, durability, workability, and resistance to various failure modes relative to other construction materials. Currently, more than 10 billion tons of concrete are used globally per annum and experts have predicted that the concrete demand is likely to grow to 16 billion tons in 2050. Additionally, the recent and significant increases in demand for large data centers is likely to further increase the need for cement and concrete. The current technology employed by the construction industry generates a negative impact on the global environment and economy. For example, up to 80% of a data center’s embodied carbon emissions can come from the cement used alone. The industrial process involved in the production of cement from limestone accounts for 80% to 85% of concrete’s overall carbon footprint, while making up 10% to 25% of the overall mass of the concrete product. Furthermore, cement production consumes between 2 and 3% of the global energy demand, generating 0.73 to 0.99 tons of CO2 / ton of cement produced, which accounts for about 8 to 10% of the global anthropogenic emissions of CO2 and 3.4% of the total CO2 global emissions.

[0004] A common, high volume, use case for hydraulic cement is as the primary binder, or paste, within a controlled low strength material (CLSM), also referred to as controlled density fill (CDF), flowable fill, flowable mortar, plastic soil-cement, and / or soil cement slurry. A CLSM is defined as a self-compacting, cementitious material used primarily as a backfill in place of traditional compacted fill. The process of installing traditional compacted fill in construction projects requires placing earthen materials in so called “lifts,” earthen material layers that are generally 6 to 12 inches in thickness, and then compacting each lift independently with large machinery, such as vibratory rollers or plate compactors, to achieve a dense and stablebase to support the weight of roadways, structures, or to fill temporary excavation sites (i.e. trenches, utility corridors, etc.). Utilization of CLSM containing hydraulic cement eliminates approximately 85% of the overhead costs associated with traditional compact fill emplacement by eliminating the need for manual labor, compaction, and heavy equipment. Common CLSM applications include, but are not limited to, erosion control, thermal or insulating fills around buried cables, pavement bases, backfill and bedding, electrically conductive backfill materials to enhance electrical grounding systems by reducing soil resistivity, anticorrosion protection, and low-permeability fills to prevent water penetration. Furthermore, in many applications the CLSM needs to retain strength similar to sand and dirt to enable removal at later dates with conventional digging tools, e.g. backhoe or manual shovel, and therefore cannot build significant strength over long periods of time.

[0005] While utilization of CLSM reduces the monetary costs of projects, it is reliant upon hydraulic cement as a primary ingredient. It is therefore desirable to develop new forms of CLSM that minimize the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere. It is also desirable to produce CLSM that is less expensive than that currently produced. In place properties of importance for CLSM include compressive strength, density, settlement, permeability, excavatability, and thermal insulation or conductivity. The two most commonly required, or specified, properties are compressive strength at 28-days and excavatability, or removability modulus. The removability modulus (RE) is typically used to quantify the ease of removability for a CLSM, equation [1], and is generally desirable to be RE < 1.5 to maximize excavatability during future projects. Typical compressive strength requirements from specifiers and users are 50 to 300 PSI at 28-days of aging with no additional strength built over time. Generally, long term strengths of 100 to 150 PSI are necessary for a CLSM to be excavated with hand tools. Additionally, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) specifies CLSM as materials possessing less than 1,200 PSI at 28-days.

[0006] =where: W is the dry mass density (lb / ft3) and C is the 28- day compressive strength (lb / in2) [1]

[0007] A sustainable, strength-tunable, and RE-tunable biomineral supplemental blend for use as a CLSM or in existing CLSMs as a hydraulic cement replacement is disclosed. SUMMARY

[0008] Disclosed herein is a biomineral supplemental blend for a carbon negative, tunable strength, and tunable RE CLSM where the biomineral supplemental blend comprises a bio-mineralized algae, a silica source, pozzolan, biochar and / or bio-fly ash; and an aggregate, where the aggregate comprises a secondary binder, sand and / or rock. The disclosed biomineral supplemental blend serves as a substitute for hydraulic cement, modifying the paste-to-aggregate ratio in a CLSM mixture to tune performance characteristics, such as compressive strength, removability modulus, and achievable sustainability targets, such as being carbon negative. The blend can replace up to 100wt% of hydraulic cement in conventional CLSM formulations, offering a sustainable CLSM alternative. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] FIG 1. depicts the inorganic analyses, based on X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X- ray diffraction (XRD), of the biochar and / or bio-fly ash utilized in the formulation of the cylinders described and utilized in Examples #1, #2, #3, and #4. Each bar represents the weight percentage of the identified inorganic oxide detected by XRF and / or XRD. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Disclosed herein is an environmentally friendly biomineral supplemental blend that can directly replace hydraulic cement in conventional CLSM mix designs. This biomineral supplemental blend comprises bio-mineralized algae that can withdraw carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the manufacturing of the biomineral supplemental blend, during the utility of the biomineral supplemental blend (in a construction project) or during both, the manufacturing of the biomineral supplemental blend as well as during the utility of the biomineral supplemental blend (in a construction project).

[0011] In an embodiment, the biomineral supplemental blend comprises bio-mineralized algae, residual algae, a supplemental calcium carbonate filler (such as for example, oolitic aragonite), a cementitious material, such as for example, a silica source (e.g., silica fume), and biochar or bio-fly ash. In some embodiments, the biomineral supplemental blend comprises a biomineralized algae, a pozzolan, biochar and / or bio-fly ash. In an embodiment, the biomineral supplemental blend may be used to reduce the amount of hydraulic cement used in a CLSM paste to minimize the carbon footprint of the mix design while maintaining project specific requirements, such as compressive strength and removability modulus (RE). The CLSM paste is generally mixed with sand, rock, and water to produce a lower global warming potential (GWP) containing CLSM mix design. Table 1 provides an exemplary composition for a biomineralsupplemental blend for the replacement of hydraulic cement within the CLSM dry paste blend, while Table 2 provides an exemplary composition for a biomineral supplemental blend hydraulic cement replaced CLSM mix design for use in applications. In Table 1, the weight percents are based on the total weight of the CLSM dry paste blend paste, while in Table 2, the weight percent is based on the total weight of the CLSM mix design.Table 1 (biomineral supplemental blend CLSM dry paste; CLSM dry paste blend)Table 2 (a mixture of sand, aggregate and biomineral supplemental blend CLSM dry paste to produce CLSM mix design)

[0012] In an embodiment, the biomineral supplemental blend may be packaged and shipped to a manufacturing site at which additional materials such as aggregate (e.g. sand and rock), fillers (e.g. calcium carbonate), cementitious or pozzolanic materials (such as slag, fly ash, coal ash, pozzolans, and the like), and chemical admixtures (such as air-entrainers) may be added. This biomineral supplemental blend may then be mixed with hydraulic cement to directly reduce the amount of hydraulic cement in a CLSM dry paste blend (i.e. a standard CLSM dry paste blend contains 100 wt% hydraulic cement, while a biomineral supplemental blend replaced CLSM dry paste blend contains 20 wt% hydraulic cement and 80 wt% biomineral supplemental blend). A liquid medium may be added to the reduced hydraulic cement CLSM dry paste blend to form a significantly GWP reduced CLSM paste. The paste can be further converted into a CLSM mix design by the addition of sand, rock, and / or other aggregates, at which point it may be used in a variety of applications, such as backfill and bedding, thermal or insulating fills, erosion control, and other construction applications that require sustainable, low GWP materials that possess traditional CLSM mix design performance characteristics (compressive strength and removability modulus).

[0013] For example, a CLSM mix design comprising a paste of 50 wt% of biomineral supplemental blend and 50 wt% hydraulic cement at a paste-to-aggregate weight ratio of 0.04 will possess a GWP of approximately -40 kg CO2 per cubic yard of CLSM mix produced (i.e. in the final CLSM mix design embodiment, carbon has been sequestered from the atmosphere), whereas a conventional 100% hydraulic cement-based CLSM mix design possesses a GWP of approximately 60 kg CO2 per cubic yard of CLSM mix design produced at a paste-to-aggregate weight ratio of 0.04. In an embodiment, an optional organic material such as a polymer may be added to the biomineral supplemental blend, CLSM dry paste blend, CLSM paste, or CLSM mix design if desired. Additionally, other additional conventional CLSM paste and CLSM mix design modifiers, such as air entraining admixtures may be used in an embodiment.

[0014] In an embodiment, the bio-mineralized algae in an amount of up to 100 wt% may be transferred from a first site (at which it is manufactured) to a second site. The remainder of the ingredients (other than the bio-mineralized algae and biochar / bio-fly ash) in Table 1 (i.e., the primary binder supplemental calcium carbonate filler, the hydraulic cement, and the cementitious material) and Table 2 (i.e., the supplemental calcium carbonate, the hydraulic cement, the cementitious or pozzolanic materials) may be added at the first site or at the second site, or may be added partially at the first site and partially at the second site to form the biomineralsupplemental blend as detailed below. The first site is different from the second site. In some embodiments, the first site is generally the manufacturing site while the second site is typically the site at which the biomineral supplemental blend is used. In some embodiments, the first site is a bio-mineralization production site and the second site is a biomineral supplemental blending site, and optionally a third site for a batch plant where the final mixture is combined in a silo or another suitable location.

[0015] Bio-mineralized algae refer to algae that have the ability to produce and deposit minerals (also called a “primary binder”) within their cellular structures. An example of such a primary binder is calcium carbonate (CaCO3). In an embodiment, the primary binder is produced during the bio-mineralization. The calcium carbonate used as the primary binder may be in one of three crystalline forms, which are vaterite, aragonite and calcite, when produced initially during bio-mineralization. Additionally, amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) may also be generated during the bio-mineralization process. It is desirable to have the calcite and vaterite form the majority of the primary binder.

[0016] In an embodiment, the primary binder is a densifier and it can have cementitious properties– it displays an ability to bind, harden, and gain strength upon setting. Additionally, in an embodiment hydraulic cements are materials that have the ability to react with water under ambient conditions to form a hardened and water-resistant product. These properties are useful for materials used in construction and structural applications.

[0017] A secondary densifier (or binder) may also be added during the manufacturing of the biomineral supplemental blend for the CLSM dry paste blend or CLSM mix design. This secondary densifier (or binder) may constitute a biochar, bio-fly ash, pozzolan, slag, fly ash, coal ash, or a combination thereof.

[0018] The algae used to produce the first binder is preferably one that withdraws carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produces a first binder comprising calcium carbonate. However, other microorganisms may also be used in a microorganism package that may produce one or more first binders. In some embodiments, a microorganism package may comprise a microorganism that has not been biomineralized. In an embodiment, the microorganism package may comprise two or more different types of microorganisms that can produce the first binder. When two or more microorganisms are used to produce the first binder, the first binder may comprise an additional binder in addition to calcium carbonate. The first microorganisms are preferably those that consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to produce a carbonate saltthat serves as the first precipitate in the binder. The microorganisms may be photosynthetic prokaryotic or eukaryotic, in particular bacteria, yeast, or algae, or a combination thereof.

[0019] Examples of algae include: Cyanobacteria Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Non-Sulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) Heliobacteria Acidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Green Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Nonsulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) Heliobacteria Acidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Green Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae)Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Nonsulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) Heliobacteria Acidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Green Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Nonsulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) Heliobacteria Acidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Green Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Nonsulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) HeliobacteriaAcidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Green Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Nonsulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) Heliobacteria Acidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria Green Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Nonsulfur Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Bacteria (Rhodospirillaceae) Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Ectothiorhodospiraceae) Green Sulfur Bacteria (Chlorobi) Green Nonsulfur Bacteria (Chloroflexi) Heliobacteria Acidobacteria (some are photosynthetic) Proteobacteria Purple Sulfur Bacteria (Chromatiaceae) Purple Nonsulfur BacteriaGreen Bacteria (Chloroflexi and Chloracidobacterium) Chloroflexi bacterium Anabaena cylindrica Nostoc commune Spirulina platensis Synechococcus elongatus Prochlorococcus marinus Microcystis aeruginosa Oscillatoria tenuis Gloeocapsa magma Trichodesmium erythraeum Cyanothece sp. Chlorobium limicola Chlorobaculum tepidum Chlorobium phaeobacteroides Chloroflexus aurantiacus Roseiflexus castenholzii Heliobacterium modesticaldum Heliobacterium chlorum Acidobacterium capsulatum Rhodopseudomonas palustris Rhodobacter sphaeroides Rhodocyclus tenuis Chromatium okenii Thiocapsa roseopersicina Rhodospirillum centenum Chloracidobacterium thermophilum Chloroflexus aggregans Oscillochloris trichoides Herpetosiphon aurantiacus Thiocystis violascens Allochromatium vinosum Marichromatium purpuratum Nitrosococcus oceaniNitrosopumilus maritimus Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii Ectothiorhodospira halochloris Ectothiorhodospira mobilis Lamprocystis purpurea Rubrivivax gelatinosus Rhodopseudomonas viridis Rhodopseudomonas acidophila Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 Rhodobacter capsulatus B10 Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 Rhodopseudomonas palustris BisB5 Roseiflexus castenholzii Chlorobaculum parvum Roseiflexus sp. Chloroflexi bacterium MS-G Chloroflexi bacterium GNS-1 Chloroflexus sp. Thiodictyon sp. KC-1 Thiodictyon sp. CLB1001 Rhodobacter capsulatus SB 1003 Rhodobacter sphaeroides ATCC 17029 Rhodobacter sphaeroides ATCC 17096 Rhodobacter sphaeroides ATCC 17925 Heliophilum prolipovicii Chlorobaculum parvum Chlorobaculum tepidum Oscillatoria limosa Nostoc punctiforme Synechocystis sp. Chloracidobacterium aurantiacum Synechocystis aquatilis Thiocapsa rosea Thiodictyon sp. KC-1Thiodictyon sp. CLB1001 Marichromatium purpuratum Nitrosococcus oceani Nitrosopumilus maritimus Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii Ectothiorhodospira halochloris Ectothiorhodospira mobilis Lamprocystis purpurea Rubrivivax gelatinosus Rhodopseudomonas viridis Rhodopseudomonas acidophila Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 Rhodobacter capsulatus B10 Roseiflexus sp. Chlorobaculum parvum Chloroflexus sp. Oscillatoria limosa Nostoc punctiforme Chlorobium limicola Chlorobium phaeobacteroides Chloroflexus aurantiacus Gloeocapsa magma Trichodesmium erythraeum Cyanothece sp. Microcoleus chthonoplastes Phormidium sp. Chloroflexi bacterium MS-G Chloroflexi bacterium GNS-1 Aphanocapsa sp. Geitlerinema sp. Anabaenopsis sp. Leptolyngbya sp. Moorea producens Chroococcidiopsis sp., or a combination thereof.

[0020] Preferred examples of photosynthetic prokaryotic microorganisms include: Anabaena cylindrica Nostoc commune Spirulina platensis Synechococcus elongatus Prochlorococcus marinus Microcystis aeruginosa Oscillatoria tenuis Gloeocapsa magma Trichodesmium erythraeum Cyanothece sp. Chlorobium limicola Chlorobaculum tepidum Chlorobium phaeobacteroides Chloroflexus aurantiacus Roseiflexus castenholzii Heliobacterium modesticaldum Heliobacterium chlorum Acidobacterium capsulatum Rhodopseudomonas palustris Rhodobacter sphaeroides Rhodocyclus tenuis Chromatium okenii Thiocapsa roseopersicina Rhodospirillum centenum Chloracidobacterium thermophilum Chloroflexus aggregans Oscillochloris trichoides Herpetosiphon aurantiacus Thiocystis violascens Allochromatium vinosum Marichromatium purpuratum Nitrosococcus oceaniNitrosopumilus maritimus Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii Ectothiorhodospira halochloris Ectothiorhodospira mobilis Lamprocystis purpurea Rubrivivax gelatinosus Rhodopseudomonas viridis Rhodopseudomonas acidophila Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 Rhodobacter capsulatus B10 Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 Rhodopseudomonas palustris BisB5 Roseiflexus castenholzii Chlorobaculum parvum Roseiflexus sp. Chloroflexi bacterium MS-G Chloroflexi bacterium GNS-1 Chloroflexus sp. Thiodictyon sp. KC-1 Thiodictyon sp. CLB1001 Rhodobacter capsulatus SB 1003 Rhodobacter sphaeroides ATCC 17029 Rhodobacter sphaeroides ATCC 17096 Rhodobacter sphaeroides ATCC 17925 Heliophilum prolipovicii Chlorobaculum parvum Chlorobaculum tepidum Oscillatoria limosa Nostoc punctiforme Synechocystis sp. Chloracidobacterium aurantiacum Synechocystis aquatilis Thiocapsa rosea Thiodictyon sp. KC-1Thiodictyon sp. CLB1001 Marichromatium purpuratum Nitrosococcus oceani Nitrosopumilus maritimus Ectothiorhodospira shaposhnikovii Ectothiorhodospira halochloris Ectothiorhodospira mobilis Lamprocystis purpurea Rubrivivax gelatinosus Rhodopseudomonas viridis Rhodopseudomonas acidophila Rhodopseudomonas palustris CGA009 Rhodobacter capsulatus B10 Roseiflexus sp. Chlorobaculum parvum Chloroflexus sp. Oscillatoria limosa Nostoc punctiforme Chlorobium limicola Chlorobium phaeobacteroides Chloroflexus aurantiacus Gloeocapsa magma Trichodesmium erythraeum Cyanothece sp. Microcoleus chthonoplastes Phormidium sp. Chloroflexi bacterium MS-G Chloroflexi bacterium GNS-1 Aphanocapsa sp. Geitlerinema sp. Anabaenopsis sp. Leptolyngbya sp. Moorea producens Chroococcidiopsis sp., or a combination thereof.

[0021] Examples of photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms include: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Euglena gracilis Spirogyra Diatoms (e.g., Thalassiosira) Chlorella Volvox Desmids Cyanophora paradoxa (a cryptomonad) Dinoflagellates (e.g., Karenia brevis) Cryptophytes (e.g., Rhodomonas) Brown algae (Phaeophyta) Red algae (Rhodophyta) Green algae (e.g., Ulva, Spirogyra) Micrasterias Closterium Oedogonium Coccolithophores (e.g., Emiliania huxleyi) Synura Prymnesium parvum Aphanizomenon Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Euglena gracilis Spirogyra sp. Thalassiosira pseudonana Chlorella vulgaris Volvox carteri Micrasterias denticulata Closterium sp. Oedogonium sp. Emiliania huxleyi Prymnesium parvum Chara vulgarisCladophora glomerata Ectocarpus siliculosus Phacus sp. Vaucheria sp. Dictyostelium discoideum Ochromonas danica Nannochloropsis sp. Gymnodinium sp. Peridinium sp. Phaeocystis pouchetii Ostreococcus tauri Gonyaulax spinifera Dinobryon divergens Actinophrys sol Symbiodinium microadriaticum Laminaria digitata Euglena longa Pandorina morum Zygnema sp. Mesotaenium sp. Dinophysis acuminata Noctiluca scintillans Porphyra purpurea Porphyridium cruentum Griffithsia sp. Corallina officinalis Theileria parva Chromera velia Dasya sp. Chaetoceros sp. Coscinodiscus sp. Trichodesmium erythraeum Chrysochromulina sp. Bathycoccus prasinosScenedesmus obliquus Selenastrum capricornutum Pediastrum boryanum Synura petersenii Botryococcus braunii Bulbochaete sp. Sarcodina sp. Chattonella marina Tetraselmis chuii Eutreptiella gymnastica Myrmecia ingens Haematococcus pluvialis Monoraphidium minutum Ankistrodesmus falcatus Sphaerocystis schroeteri Chlorogonium elongatum Nannochloris atomus Fragilariopsis cylindrus Chaetoceros muelleri Scytonema sp. Aphanochaete repens Clostridium perfringens Microcoleus vaginatus Navicula gregaria Rhizosolenia calcar-avis Paraphysomonas imperforata Neochloris oleoabundans Isochrysis galbana Cyanidium caldarium Tribonema sp. Dinobryon sertularia Botrydium granulatum Penium margaritaceum Desmodesmus quadricaudaStaurastrum brachiatum Pteridium sp. Klebsormidium flaccidum Phaeodactylum tricornutum Nannochloris maculata Navicula radiosa Prochlorococcus marinus Aegagropila linnaei Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum Acetabularia acetabulum Chrysochromulina parva Ochrosphaera neapolitana Tetrastrum cambridgei Cephaleuros parasiticus Micromonas pusilla Pyramimonas tetrarhynchus Heterocapsa pygmaea Amphidinium carterae Amphora coffeaeformis Scherffelia dubia, or a combination thereof.

[0022] Preferred examples of photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms include: Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Euglena gracilis Spirogyra sp. Thalassiosira pseudonana Chlorella vulgaris Volvox carteri Micrasterias denticulata Closterium sp. Oedogonium sp. Emiliania huxleyi Prymnesium parvum Chara vulgarisCladophora glomerata Ectocarpus siliculosus Phacus sp. Vaucheria sp. Dictyostelium discoideum Ochromonas danica Nannochloropsis sp. Gymnodinium sp. Peridinium sp. Phaeocystis pouchetii Ostreococcus tauri Gonyaulax spinifera Dinobryon divergens Actinophrys sol Symbiodinium microadriaticum Laminaria digitata Euglena longa Pandorina morum Zygnema sp. Mesotaenium sp. Dinophysis acuminata Noctiluca scintillans Porphyra purpurea Porphyridium cruentum Griffithsia sp. Corallina officinalis Theileria parva Chromera velia Dasya sp. Chaetoceros sp. Coscinodiscus sp. Trichodesmium erythraeum Chrysochromulina sp. Bathycoccus prasinosScenedesmus obliquus Selenastrum capricornutum Pediastrum boryanum Synura petersenii Botryococcus braunii Bulbochaete sp. Sarcodina sp. Chattonella marina Tetraselmis chuii Eutreptiella gymnastica Myrmecia ingens Haematococcus pluvialis Monoraphidium minutum Ankistrodesmus falcatus Sphaerocystis schroeteri Chlorogonium elongatum Nannochloris atomus Fragilariopsis cylindrus Chaetoceros muelleri Scytonema sp. Aphanochaete repens Clostridium perfringens Microcoleus vaginatus Navicula gregaria Rhizosolenia calcar-avis Paraphysomonas imperforata Neochloris oleoabundans Isochrysis galbana Cyanidium caldarium Tribonema sp. Dinobryon sertularia Botrydium granulatum Penium margaritaceum Desmodesmus quadricaudaStaurastrum brachiatum Pteridium sp. Klebsormidium flaccidum Phaeodactylum tricornutum Nannochloris maculata Navicula radiosa Prochlorococcus marinus Aegagropila linnaei Rhizoclonium hieroglyphicum Acetabularia acetabulum Chrysochromulina parva Ochrosphaera neapolitana Tetrastrum cambridgei Cephaleuros parasiticus Micromonas pusilla Pyramimonas tetrarhynchus Heterocapsa pygmaea Amphidinium carterae Amphora coffeaeformis Scherffelia dubia, or a combination thereof. Nutrients

[0023] The nutrients are consumed by the microorganisms along with gases from the atmosphere (carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and the like) to produce the first binder during the biomineralization process. The term “nutrient” as used herein refers to any chemical compound or composition which provides for microorganism growth or function. For example, for calcium-precipitating bacteria, a source of calcium is a nutrient. Co-factors which support bacteria viability (e.g., trace elements) are considered nutrients. The disclosed nutrient media comprise ingredients which provide for microorganism growth, as well as, the flowability of the bio-cement. Microorganism growth materials include inorganic salts and sources of carbon for microorganism metabolism. Some of the nutrients can serve as the binder and some of the binder can function as nutrients. The nutrients that are added to facilitate biomineralization include macronutrients and / or micronutrients. Macronutrients refer to elements that are used by organisms in relatively large quantities for their growth and development. Micronutrients, alsoknown as trace elements or trace metals, are elements used by living organisms in smaller quantities compared to macronutrients. While micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts, they play useful roles in various biological processes, including biomineralization. Macronutrients may include primary nutrients and secondary nutrients. Primary nutrients include nitrogen-containing compounds, phosphorus-containing compounds, potassium containing compounds, or a combination thereof. Nitrogen containing compounds include urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium ammonium nitrate, sodium nitrate, or a combination thereof. Phosphorus-containing compounds include triple superphosphate, di- ammonium phosphate, mono-ammonium phosphate, rock phosphate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, or a combination thereof. Triple superphosphate (TSP) is a highly concentrated phosphorus fertilizer. It is produced by reacting rock phosphate with phosphoric acid. The process involves treating phosphate rock with an excess of phosphoric acid, resulting in a fertilizer with a high concentration of soluble phosphorus. Rock phosphate is a natural mineral deposit that is mined for its phosphorus content. The main component of rock phosphate is the mineral apatite, which contains various forms of calcium phosphate.

[0024] Potassium containing compounds include potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, or a combination thereof.

[0025] Secondary nutrients include calcium-containing compounds, magnesium- containing compounds, sulfur in elemental form or sulfur-containing compounds, or a combination thereof.

[0026] Calcium-containing compounds include calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, or a combination thereof. Magnesium-containing compounds include magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt), magnesium oxide, or a combination thereof. Sulfur-containing compounds include ammonium sulfate.

[0027] Micronutrients include ferrous sulfate, iron chelates, ferric sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O), manganese sulfate, manganese chelates, zinc sulfate, zinc chelates, copper sulfate, copper chelates, borax, boric acid, boron chelates, sodium molybdate, potassium chloride, cobalt nitrate, cobalt chloride, sodium nitrate, calcium chloride hydrate (CaCl2.2H2O), boric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, suitable nutrients include nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus containing compounds. Suitable nutrients that may be used for facilitating algal growth include sodium nitrate, calcium chloride hydrate (CaCl2.2H2O), magnesium sulfate(MgSO4.7H2O), dipotassium phosphate, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium hydroxide, ferric sulfate (FeSO4.7H2O), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, boric acid, zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O), or the like, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The nutrients are added in an amount of 0.0000001 to 10 weight percent based on the weight of the liquid media, the nutrients and the algae.

[0030] The aggregate may contain a pozzolan (such as an amorphous aluminum silicate), a silica fume, three-quarter minus rock or smaller, supplemental calcium carbonate filler (such as oolitic aragonite), sand, or a combination thereof. The aggregate is mixed with the biomineral supplemental blend, hydraulic cement, and liquid media to form a sustainable CLSM paste.

[0031] The pozzolan comprises silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide. Silicon dioxide is present in an amount of 40 to 80 wt%, based on the total weight of the pozzolan. Aluminum oxide is present in an amount of 5 to 40 wt%, based on the total weight of the pozzolan. Iron oxide may be present in an amount of 0.05 to 10 wt%, based on the total weight of the pozzolan. The pozzolan may also contain water in an amount of 1 to 8 wt%, based on a total weight of the pozzolan. Additionally, a standard specification for raw or calcined natural pozzolan for use in concrete may be found in ASTM C618. The pozzolan is present in the biomineral supplemental blend CLSM dry paste blend in an amount of 0 to 35 wt%, preferably 0 to 30 wt%, based on the weight of the biomineral supplemental blend and the desired hydraulic cement replacement level.

[0032] In some embodiments, the pozzolan comprises silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide and iron oxide, and is pursuant to pozzolans as described in ASTM C618 (standard specification for coal fly ash and raw or calcined natural pozzolan), ASTM C1697 (standard specification for blended supplementary cementitious materials), and / or ASTM C311 (standard test methods for sampling and testing fly ash or natural pozzolans for use in Portland-cement concrete), and where the pozzolan is present in the CLSM dry paste blend composition in an amount of 0 to 35 wt%.

[0033] In some embodiments, the pozzolan may comprise alumina or silica content of 20 to 95 wt%, and where the pozzolan is present in the CLSM dry paste blend composition in an amount of 0 to 35 wt%.

[0034] In some embodiments, the hydraulic cement comprises a Portland cement, an ASTM C150 Portland Cement, an ASTM C150-07 Portland Cement, an ASTM C595 blended hydraulic cement, an ASTM C1157 blended hydraulic cement, C109 / C109M hydraulic cementmortar, C114 hydraulic cement, C151 / C151M hydraulic cement, C183 / C183M hydraulic cement, C185 hydraulic cement, C191 hydraulic cement, C204 hydraulic cement, C219 hydraulic cement, C226 hydraulic cement, C266 hydraulic cement, C451 hydraulic cement, C452 hydraulic cement, C465 hydraulic cement, C563 hydraulic cement, C1038 / C1038M hydraulic cement, C1702 hydraulic cement, C1778 hydraulic cement and mixtures thereof.

[0035] The dried biomineral referred to herein for purposes of determining the weight percent contribution is obtained by the removal of water (which is primarily the liquid media used in the mixing of the sustainable CLSM paste with the aggregate to produce the sustainable CLSM mix design).

[0036] Biochar is a product generated through the pyrolysis of organic materials, such as agricultural waste, wood chips, or another biomass. Pyrolysis is a process where organic materials are heated in the absence of oxygen, which permanently fixes carbonaceous compounds into a stable char. As a result, biochar is created along with other byproducts like gases and liquids. Biochar is considered a form of carbon sequestration, as the carbon captured during the growth of the biomass is retained in the biochar. Biochar production can be a way to utilize organic waste materials that might otherwise be disposed of such as agricultural residues or forestry byproducts. Biochar is characterized by its porous carbon content (that has a high surface area) with possible inorganic oxide inclusions. Biochar may act as a densifier as well as a binder when it contains inorganic oxides that react with water and cement hydration byproducts, such as calcium hydroxide. It can also act as a carbon sink. Biochar and / or bio-fly ash may be classified into sub-categories based on the residual organic content present within the material: low ash content (greater than 70 wt% residual organic carbon content), moderate ash content (between 30 wt% and 70 wt% residual organic content), and high ash content (less than 30 wt% residual organic content).

[0037] The pyrolytic products (such as biochars and bio-fly ashes) may comprise about 5 wt% to 97 wt% carbon with the rest comprising a variety of different inorganic oxides. The inorganic oxides that make up the balance of the ash content for various biochars and / or bio-fly ashes may comprise calcium oxide (CaO), silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and may be present in either, or both, crystalline and amorphous crystal states within the biochar. In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 30 to 70 wt% of the biochar composition. In some embodiments, the ash comprises 95 wt% organic residue, 5 wt% inorganic oxides (where the inorganic oxide composition is shown in Table 3); 50 wt% organic residuewith 50 wt% inorganic oxides (where the inorganic oxide composition is shown in Table 3); 10 wt% organic residue with 90 wt% inorganic oxides (where the inorganic oxide composition is shown in Table 3). Table 3 provides an exemplary composition of inorganic oxides present in the ash content of a pyrolytic product produced from organic materials, as described above. Table 3 (inorganic oxides present within pyrolytic product ashes)

[0038] In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 15 to 65 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SiO2 from ash is 55 to 65 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Al2O3 from ash is 3 to 15 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of CaO from ash is 10 to 20 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Fe2O3 is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of P2O5 is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of MgO from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of K2O from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SO3from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Cl from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition.

[0039] In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SiO2 from ash is 50 to 60 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Al2O3 from ash is 3 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of CaO from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Fe2O3 is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of P2O5 is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of MgO from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of K2O from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SO3from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Cl from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition.

[0040] In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 30 to 45 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SiO2 from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Al2O3 from ash is 3 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of CaO from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Fe2O3is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of P2O5is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of MgO from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of K2O from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SO3from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Cl from ash is 0.1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition.

[0041] In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 30 to 45 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SiO2 from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Al2O3 from ash is 3 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of CaO from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Fe2O3 is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of P2O5 is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of MgO from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of K2O from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SO3from ash is 0.5 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Cl from ash is 0.1 toof the biochar composition.

[0042] In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 40 to 50 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SiO2from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Al2O3from ash is 3 to 15 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of CaO from ash is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Fe2O3is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of P2O5 is 5 to 15of the biochar composition; the amount of MgO from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of K2O from ash is 0.1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SO3 from ash is 5 to 15 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Cl from ash is 0.1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition.

[0043] In some embodiments, the amount of total ash is 44 to 55 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SiO2 from ash is 30 to 40 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Al2O3from ash is 3 to 15 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of CaO from ash is 10 to 20 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Fe2O3is 15 to 25 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of P2O5is 5 to 15 wt% of the biochar composition; the amountof MgO from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of K2O from ash is 0.1to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of SO3 from ash is 1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition; the amount of Cl from ash is 0.1 to 10 wt% of the biochar composition.

[0044] FIG. 1 shows the inorganic analyses of the various biochar and bio-fly ash types discussed above. The variations in carbon content, ash content, and inorganic oxide(s) are determined by the precursor starting materials (i.e. agricultural waste, wood chips, other biomass, and the like), the pyrolytic processing a material undergoes to create the pyrolytic products, and other factors such as moisture content, seasonal variability, and the like.

[0045] The biochar may be used in the CLSM dry paste blend in an amount of 0.01 to 75 wt%, 5 to 70 wt%, 10 to 70 wt%, based on a total weight of the CLSM dry paste blend.

[0046] Three-quarter minus rock refers to a specific size of crushed rock or gravel particles. The term is commonly used in the construction and landscaping industry to describe the size of the material. The “three-quarter minus” designation usually indicates that the crushed rock particles are small and will pass through a screen or sieve with openings that are approximately three-quarter inch in diameter. This means that the material is relatively fine, with particles smaller than 3 / 4 inch. The term “minus” implies that the material includes particles smaller than the specified size. In the case of “three-quarter minus,” this means that the majority of the material will pass through a three-quarter-inch sieve, but it may also contain smaller particles, such as fines, which contribute to the compaction of the material. The rock selected for use herein will be three-quarter minus rock or smaller, such as, for example, quarter minus rock. In the case of “quarter minus,” this means that the majority of the material will pass through a quarter-inch sieve, but it may also contain smaller particles, such as fines, which contribute to the compaction of the material.

[0047] The three-quarter minus rock (or smaller sizes) is used in an amount of 50 to 99 wt%, 55 to 99 wt%, 65 to 99 wt%, based on the total weight of the CLSM mix design. In other embodiments, three-quarter minus rock (or smaller sizes) and / or sand may be omitted, and the biomineral supplemental blend CLSM paste, as described in Table 2, may be used directly.

[0048] Oolitic aragonite refers to a form of aragonite, which is a crystal form of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a mineral commonly found in nature. The term “oolitic” refers to the characteristic small, rounded structures called ooids that make up the material. The oolitic aragonite may be referred to as the second binder and is an example of a supplemental calcium carbonate filler. In an embodiment, the first binder is the same as the second binder. As noted above, the calcium carbonate generated during bio-mineralization is the first binder.

[0049] The secondary binder (i.e. supplemental calcium carbonate filler, such as oolitic aragonite) is present in an amount of 0.01 to 5 wt%, 0.01 to 4.5 wt%, 0.01 to 3 wt% based on the total weight of the CLSM mix design.

[0050] The sand is used as the substrate (also referred to herein as the scaffold). The sand is generally used in the CLSM mix design in an amount of 50 to 99 wt%, based on a total weight of the CLSM mix design.

[0051] The biomineral supplemental blend is added to the CLSM dry paste to replace a portion of the hydraulic cement content to form a sustainable, low GWP, CLSM mix design. In some embodiments, the disclosed biomineral supplemental blend can replace 100 wt% of the hydraulic cement component of the CLSM dry paste blend or CLSM mix design. The biomineral supplemental blend is present in the CLSM dry paste blend in an amount of 45 to 100 wt%, preferably 50 to 100 wt%, and more preferably 55 to 100 wt%, based on a total weight of the CLSM dry paste blend. In some embodiments, the disclosed biomineral supplemental blend may be added to the hydraulic cement and aggregate mix during CLSM manufacturing (i.e. at a concrete batch plant or other CLSM manufacturing facility) such that the biomineral supplemental blend replaces 45 to 100 wt% of the CLSM dry paste blend, preferably 50 to 100 wt%, and more preferably 55 to 100 wt% based on total weight of the CLSM dry paste blend.

[0052] In some embodiments, the disclosed biomineral supplemental blend may be added to the hydraulic cement and aggregate mix by pre-blending with hydraulic cement before packaging. The biomineral supplemental blend replaces 45 to 100 wt% of the CLSM dry paste blend, preferably 50 to 100 wt%, and more preferably 55 to 100 wt% based on total weight of the CLSM dry paste blend.

[0053] In some embodiments, the disclosed biomineral supplemental blend may be added to the hydraulic cement and aggregate mix by adding it directly at the concrete batch plant during CLSM production. The biomineral supplemental blend replaces 45 to 100 wt% of the CLSM dry paste blend, preferably 50 to 100 wt%, and more preferably 55 to 100 wt% based on total weight of the dry CLSM dry paste blend.

[0054] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the disclosed biomineral supplemental blend, aggregate, sand, liquid media, and hydraulic cement are mixed at a batch plant, transferred to a drum mixer, or transit mixer (example: a concrete truck), transported to a construction site requiring CLSM, such as backfilling a conduit trench, and then poured to backfill the conduit trench to replace the excavated soil. After 24-hours of CLSM aging, a soil overburden layer, orother subsequent layer, may be placed on top of the aged CLSM at the discretion of the construction site owner. Preferred compression devices include hydraulic presses, and preferred pressures are 1,200 psi or less, 1000 psi or less, 750 psi or less, 500 psi or less, 250 psi or less, 150 psi or less, 100 psi or less, 50 PSI or less. Preferred RE values are 2.0 or less, 1.5 or less, 1.0 or less.

[0055] Sustainable CLSM mix design production utilizing a biomineral supplemental blend for replacement of hydraulic cement are exemplified by the following non-limiting examples. Example #1

[0056] This example was conducted to demonstrate one exemplary embodiment of a method to manufacture the sustainable CLSM mix design described herein.

[0057] The biomineral supplemental blend manufactured as detailed above mixed with a hydraulic cement and aggregate to form a sustainable CLSM. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition is shown in Table 4 below. After 7, 28, and 56-days of curing, compressive strengths of 130, 150, and 160 PSI were recorded by an independent, end-user. Table 4 (exemplary CLSM mix design)

[0058] As noted above, the biomineralized algae and biochar are first mixed together to form a first mixture. The hydraulic cement and water (the liquid media) are added to the first mixture and blended to form a second mixture. The aggregate (sand and / or rock) are then added to the second mixture to form a third mixture. This third mixture constitutes the sustainableCLSM mix design which can then be transported to a construction site by a conventional drum mixer or transit mixer (i.e. cement truck). A typical embodiment of CLSM is prepared in 10 cubic yard batches and comprises 120 lbs of hydraulic cement per cubic yard of CLSM and possesses a GWP of 60 kg CO2per cubic yard of CLSM. The exemplary embodiment represents a sustainable CLSM mix design prepared for a 10 cubic yard batch of CLSM in which 50 wt%, of hydraulic cement has been replaced with the biomineral supplemental blend in the CLSM dry paste blend with no changes to any other typical mix design parameters (i.e. paste-to-aggregate ratio, water-to-cement ratio, and the like), and possesses a GWP of -40 kg CO2 per cubic yard of CLSM. The biomineral supplemental blend represents a carbon sequestering, or carbon removal, pathway to offset more than 100% of the embodied carbon produced in a traditional CLSM mix design manufactured at commercial batch scales. As disclosed herein, the term ‘paste-to- aggregate ratio’ (P:A) refers to the ratio of the volume or weight of the cementitious paste (including hydraulic cement, supplementary cementitious materials, Biochar, Pozzolan, Biomineral, supplemental calcium carbonate filler, water, and any additives or admixtures) to the total volume or weight of aggregate in a CLSM mix design. The aggregate may include coarse aggregates such as gravel, crushed stone, pea gravel, pea stone, recycled concrete aggregate, or expanded clay, as well as fine aggregates such as natural sand, manufactured sand, and silica sand. Other acceptable aggregate materials for use in CLSM mix designs may comprise coal combustion products, glass cullet, ground tire rubber, crusher fines, discarded foundry sands, and supplemental aggregate mineral fillers, such dolomite, magnesite, and limestone. The P:A ratio can be determined by the user based on the desired properties of the CLSM mix design and generally ranges from 0.01 to 0.4. Example #2

[0059] This example was conducted to demonstrate one exemplary embodiment of a method to manufacture the sustainable CLSM mix described herein.

[0060] The compressive strength (PSI) performance of a 4” x 8” cylinder over a 28-day period of performance was tested. The CLSM mix design cylinder comprises 92.32 wt% aggregate, 2.50 wt% hydraulic cement and 5.2 wt% biomineral supplemental blend at a paste-to- aggregate ratio of approximately 0.08. A compressive strength of 65 PSI with an RE of 1.16 was observed for this CLSM mix design after 28-days of curing, demonstrating it to be suitable in common backfilling applications.Example #3

[0061] This example was conducted to demonstrate one exemplary embodiment of a method to manufacture the sustainable CLSM mix described herein.

[0062] The compressive strength (PSI) performance of a 4” x 8” cylinder over a 28-day period of performance was tested. The CLSM mix design cylinder comprises 86.86 wt% aggregate, 3.27 wt% hydraulic cement and 9.87 wt% biomineral supplemental blend at a paste- to-aggregate ratio of approximately 0.15. A compressive strength of 165 PSI with an RE of 2.0 was observed for this CLSM mix design after 28-days of curing, demonstrating suitability in common backfilling applications. Example #4

[0063] This example was conducted to demonstrate one exemplary embodiment of a method to manufacture the sustainable CLSM mix described herein.

[0064] The compressive strength (PSI) performance of a 4” x 8” cylinder over a 28-day period of performance was tested. The CLSM mix design cylinder comprises 98.22 wt% aggregate, 0.89 wt% hydraulic cement and 0.89 wt% biomineral supplemental blend at a paste- to-aggregate ratio of approximately 0.02. A compressive strength of 113 PSI with an RE of 1.40 was observed for this CLSM mix design after 28-days of curing, demonstrating suitability in common backfilling applications.

[0065] As defined herein, hydraulic cement comprises calcium (from limestone), silica, alumina, and iron (from clay / shale) and added gypsum to control setting. It forms complex hydrates when mixed with water that give it strength and durability, even in wet environments.

[0066] While the invention has been described with reference to some embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A sustainable controlled low strength material (CLSM) mix design composition comprising: a biomineral supplemental blend capable of replacing hydraulic cement in a CLSM dry paste blend, where the biomineral supplemental blend comprises a biomineralized algae, a pozzolan, biochar and / or bio-fly ash; hydraulic cement, where mixing the hydraulic cement with the biomineral supplemental blend and liquid media creates a sustainable CLSM paste; and an aggregate, where the aggregate comprises a secondary binder, sand and / or rock.

2. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 1, where the aggregate further comprises a three-quarter minus rock or smaller, calcium carbonate, oolitic aragonite, or other aggregate mineral filler or supplemental calcium carbonate.

3. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 1, where the biomineralized algae comprises a primary binder; where the primary binder has the same chemical composition as the secondary binder.

4. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 3, where the primary binder and the secondary binder each comprise calcium carbonate.

5. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 2, where the aggregate further comprises sand, three-quarter minus rock or quarter minus rock or smaller particle sized rock, coal combustion products, glass cullet, recycled concrete, ground tire rubber, crusher fines, discard foundry sands, aggregates pursuant to those described in ASTM C33 (standard specification for concrete aggregates), supplemental aggregate mineral fillers, dolomite, magnesite, limestone, and aggregate mineral fillers pursuant to those described in ASTM C1797 (standard specification for ground calcium carbonate and aggregate mineral fillers for use in hydraulic cement concrete).

6. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 1, where the pozzolan comprises silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide and iron oxide, and is pursuant to pozzolans as described in ASTM C618 (standard specification for coal fly ash and raw or calcined natural pozzolan), ASTM C1697 (standard specification for blended supplementary cementitious materials), and / or ASTM C311 (standard test methods for sampling and testing fly ash or natural pozzolans for use in Portland-cement concrete), and where the pozzolan is present in the biomineral supplemental blend in an amount of 0 to 35 wt%.

7. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 6, where the silicon dioxide is present in an amount of 40 to 80 wt%, the aluminum oxide is present in an amount of 5 to 45 wt%, and the iron oxide is present in an amount of 0.05 to 20 wt%, based on a total weight of the pozzolan.

8. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 1, where the sand is present in an amount of 50 to 99 wt%, based on a total weight of the sustainable CLSM mix design composition; and where the rock is present in an amount of 50 to 99 wt%, based on a total weight of the sustainable CLSM mix design composition.

9. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 5, where the aggregate is present in an amount of 50 to 99 wt%, based on a total weight of the sustainable CLSM mix design composition.

10. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 1, where the biochar and / or bio-fly ash is present in an amount of 0.01 to 75 wt%, based on a total weight of the CLSM dry paste blend.

11. The sustainable CLSM mix design composition of Claim 1, where the hydraulic cement comprises a Portland cement, an ASTM C150 Portland Cement, an ASTM C150-07 Portland cement, an ASTM C595 blended hydraulic cement, an ASTM C1157 blended hydraulic cement, C109 / C109M hydraulic cement mortar, C114 hydraulic cement, C151 / C151M hydraulic cement, C183 / C183M hydraulic cement, C185 hydraulic cement, C191 hydraulic cement, C204 hydraulic cement, C219 hydraulic cement, C226 hydraulic cement, C266 hydraulic cement,C451 hydraulic cement, C452 hydraulic cement, C465 hydraulic cement, C563 hydraulic cement, C1038 / C1038M hydraulic cement, C1702 hydraulic cement, C1778 hydraulic cement and mixtures thereof.

12. A method of manufacturing a transportable controlled low strength material (CLSM) mix design composition comprising: blending a microorganism package; mixing a biomineralized algae with a silica source, pozzolan, biochar and / or bio- fly ash, a cementitious material, and inert fillers to form a biomineral supplemental blend; mixing the biomineral supplemental blend with a hydraulic cement and / or liquid media to form a sustainable CLSM paste, and mixing the sustainable CLSM paste with an aggregate, liquid media, cementitious material(s), filler material(s), admixtures, and / or hydraulic cement to form a sustainable CLSM mix.

13. The method of Claim 12, wherein the biomineral supplemental blend is formed at a first site and where the sustainable CLSM dry paste blend, sustainable CLSM paste, and / or sustainable CLSM mix design are formed at a second site different from the first site.

14. The method of Claim 12, wherein the cementitious material(s) comprise slag, coal ash, fly ash, pozzolan, calcined clays, metakaolin, kaolin, silica fume, vaterite calcined clays, limestone calcined clays, burnt clays, concrete waste materials, recycled cement materials, recycled concrete materials, hydrated lime, calcium hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, polymeric materials, and mixtures thereof.

15. The method of Claim 12, wherein the filler material(s) comprise manufactured limestone, dolomite, and magnesite, harvested limestone, dolomite, and magnesite, mined and / or quarried limestone, dolomite, and magnesite, silicon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate, sodium carbonate, olivine, magnesium silicates, carbonaceous materials, carbon black, single walled nanotubes (SWNTs), graphene, carbon nanotubes, polymeric materials, and mixtures thereof.

16. The method of Claim 12, wherein the biochar and / or bio-fly ash comprises low ash content having >70 wt% residual organic content within the material, medium ash contenthaving between 30 wt% and 70 wt% residual organic content within the material, high ash content having < 30 wt% residual organic content within the material, and mixtures thereof; wherein inorganic oxides of the ash content of the biochar and / or bio-fly ash may comprise calcium oxide, silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, and / or ferric oxide in crystalline or amorphous phases, magnesium oxide, potassium oxide, phosphates, sulfates, titanium dioxide, and chlorides.

17. The method of Claim 12, wherein the biochar and / or bio-fly ash is produced from sources comprising wood, rice husk, sunflower, wastewater sludge, biosolids, sewage sludge, municipal solid waste (MSW), dredge solids, agricultural solid waste, agro-waste, algae, algae waste, plants, plant waste, and mixtures thereof.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the biochar and / or bio-fly ash further comprises volcanic ash, tephra, and mixtures thereof.

19. The method of Claim 12, wherein the biomineral supplemental blend is cultivated, extracted from, or otherwise generated from coccolithophores, electrolysis of sea and / or ocean water, harvesting of oolitic aragonite, residual algae waste streams, and / or where the biomineral supplemental blend further comprises microalgae, cyanobacteria, and / or other organisms.

20. The method of Claim 12, wherein the transportable CLSM mix design composition comprises cement and concrete admixtures, where the cement and concrete admixtures further comprise accelerators, hardeners, pore reducers, air entraining admixtures, water reducers, superplasticizers, gas forming agents, shrinkage reducers, bonding admixtures, retarders, dyes, pigments, other commonly employed chemical and physical admixtures, and mixtures thereof.

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