Center of Excellence for Advancement and Acceleration of Cement and Concrete Engineering Technologies
The Center of Excellence for Advancement and Acceleration of Cement and Concrete Engineering Technologies, or ACCENT, combines multi-scale testing, AI-driven modeling, and pilot production to accelerate research to early commercialization—a set of capabilities unmatched in the US.
Transforming America’s Infrastructure
Transforming America’s Infrastructure
At the ACCENT Center, scientists are transforming America’s cement and concrete supply chains. The center's mission is to accelerate the development and deployment of resilient, cost-effective solutions—strengthening critical infrastructure and boosting industrial competitiveness.
Concrete is central to 80 percent of the US construction industry, underpinning a $25 trillion economy. Yet, with 25 percent of US cement imported, bottlenecks threaten cost and supply stability. By integrating advanced research with deep industry expertise, ACCENT is tackling these challenges head-on, accelerating innovation cycles, and laying the foundation for next-generation, resilient, and cost-effective cement and concrete technologies.
A National Collaboration of Leaders
Led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ACCENT brings together a powerful public-private partnership that bridges advanced research and practical application. Our partners include:
- Department of Energy National Laboratories: Argonne National Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, and the National Laboratory of the Rockies.
- Renowned Universities: Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Texas at Austin, University of California, Berkeley, Texas A&M University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and Iowa State University.
- Industry and Trade: More than a dozen industrial partners, plus professional and trade associations.
Our Capabilities
Advanced Research & Accelerated Testing:
- Develop innovative materials characterization protocols to strengthen relationships with performance.
- Deploy performance-based tests and accelerated durability frameworks aimed to reduce evaluation times.
- Leverage our collaborative model to potentially halve the typical 15- to 20-year innovation cycle.
Technology Integration:
- Real-time sensors, predictive modeling, and an AI-driven data platform to shorten testing cycles and predict material performance.
- Pilot-scale stations to fast-track new materials from lab to field.
Workforce Development:
- Share best practices on new materials and technologies to help transition into widespread industry use.
Engage With Us
Sponsored by DOE’s Industrial Technologies Office, ACCENT operates within an open, secure framework alongside industry partners. Learn more about our comprehensive, innovative approach and join us in modernizing the US cement and concrete industry.
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