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Computers and Concrete
  Volume 12, Number 6, December 2013 , pages 755-774
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/cac.2013.12.6.755
 


Sustainable concrete mix design for a target strength and service life
Julia G. Tapali, Sotiris Demis and Vagelis G. Papadakis

 
Abstract
    Considering the well known environmental issues of cement manufacturing (direct and indirect levels of CO2 emissions), clinker replacement by supplementary cementing materials (SCM) can be a very promising first step in reducing considerably the associated emissions. However, such a reduction is possible up to a particular level of SCM utilization, influenced by the rate of its pozzolanic reaction. In this study a (4-step) structured methodology is proposed in order to be able to further adjust the concrete mix design of a particular SCM, in achieving additional reduction of the associated levels of CO2 emissions and being at the same time accepted from a derived concrete strength and service life point of view. On this note, the aim of this study is twofold. To evaluate the environmental contribution of each concrete component and to provide the best possible mix design configuration, balanced between the principles of sustainability (low environmental cost) and durability (accepted concrete strength and service life ). It is shown that such a balance can be achieved, by utilising SCM by-products in the concrete mix, reducing in this way the fixed environmental emissions without compromising the long-term safety and durability of the structure.
 
Key Words
    compressive strength; concrete; environmental cost; optimization; service life; supplementary cementing materials; sustainability
 
Address
Julia G. Tapali and Vagelis G. Papadakis: Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Patras, Agrinio, Greece
Sotiris Demis: Department of Civil Engineering, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
 

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