Low-carbon concrete of the Pinglu Canal: key challenges and solutions

Abstract As a key component of the New Western Land-Sea Corridor in China, the high-quality construction of the Pinglu Canal holds considerable significance. Concrete, the most widely used construction material in the project, presents several distinctive engineering characteristics, including large-scale applications over long spans, complex structures for water-saving ship locks, stringent durability requirements, tight construction schedules, and constrained working spaces. These factors not only create technical challenges but also pose a severe, systemic low-carbon challenge due to the huge carbon emission baseline and high carbon intensity associated with concrete construction. This study analyzes the key challenges for concrete engineering in the Pinglu Canal, and proposes a framework for solutions that integrates structural safety with low-carbon synergy across multiple stages and multiple levels. Based on this framework, this study further summarizes the demonstration solutions already implemented in the Pinglu Canal. Drawing from the Pinglu Canal case, this study aims to provide theoretical references and practical guidance for the low-carbon construction of modern canal engineering projects.