Durability and Long-term Performance Assessment in Eco-efficient Concrete Mixtures Towards a More Sustainable Cement Industry - A Critical Review

Abstract

In the current need to fulfill a Net-Zero goal to offset greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the cement industry deeply needs to renovate its process and products. The amount of concrete, and consequently ordinary Portland cement (OPC) used worldwide, far exceeds other industrial materials, contributing to around 8% of global emissions. A recognized solution would be to partially replace clinker with limestone, an available material in many countries with the potential to improve the particle packing of a concrete mixture. Even though several studies have been carried out on the application of Portland limestone cement (PLC) concrete, there is a need for further investigation regarding durability performance. Problems include alkali-silica reaction (ASR), delayed ettringite formation (DEF), sulphate attack, steel corrosion, and freeze/thawing, whose deteriorating effects tend to be maximized in harsh climate countries such as Canada and should be evaluated when introducing distinct materials into concrete. Therefore, this paper aims to review previous assessment of the durability of PLC concrete mixtures. The use of an advanced mix-design method (particle packing model and mobility parameters - PPM+MPs), will also be discussed on its ability to enhance the durability performance of the mixtures. It is expected that novel guidelines to design more eco-efficient concrete mixtures using PLC can be developed to reduce concrete’s cost and carbon footprint, achieving a more sustainable industry.

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