Title : IMPROVING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF CEMENT AND CONCRETE
Authors : Karen L. Scrivener1
Publication : 23 - 26 October 2013
Volume :
Pages :
Price : 250
Abstract : In this paper I review options for improving the sustainability of cementitious materials. It is clear that blended cements based on Portland cement clinker with increasing levels of substitution are the most viable route. However the relative low amounts of commonly used SCMs mean that new sources are needed to continue this trend. Calcined clays are the only materials which are potentially available in large enough amounts to continue the trend of reducing clinker content in blended cements. Recently we have demonstrated that a combination of calcined clays with limestone can be used to achieve high levels of replacement of clinker in blended cements with good performance. The continued development of such blends and other materials with lower associated CO2 emissions requires a more scientific approach to understanding performance based mechanisms. In particular, so called “performance” tests for durability need to be more soundly based otherwise they will inhibit rather than facilitate the introduction of more sustainable materials. A co-ordinated research approach such as developed in the European network Nanocem, demonstrates that it is possible to progress rapidly our fundamental knowledge of the nanoscience of cementitious materials and so to meet the challenge of improving sustainability and meeting increasing demand.