The production of Portland cement is responsible for 6 - 8 % of total anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Half of this CO2 is released by the chemical decarbonisation reaction of limestone raw material (CaCO3?CaO + CO2?), while the other half is coming from thermal energy requirement for clinkerisation reaction. Major sustainability improvements have already been demonstrated in terms of efficiency in raw materials production and their replacement by the use of alternative sources to realise concrete with similar performance. However, so far they allow for a maximal CO2 emission reduction by half, which is only half a way from the targeted reduction by a quarter. Another important aspect in this context is the durability of concrete infrastructure as well as recyclability.
Chemical and physical processes underlying the hardening of mineral binders not only affect the development of porosity microstructural and mechanical properties, but also processability, i.e. fresh rheology, and finally the durability of concrete in service as well as recyclability. Thus, complementary studies are required to determine the optimum mineral binder and concrete composition designed for various specific applications.
The use of sustainable alternative raw materials (including recycled aggregates) should reduce impacts of production steps and avoid impacts of landfilling and related environmental hazards. Here approaches on new binders with increased durability are of interest. Moreover, end-of-life materials processes are also to be considered, where individual components should be separated and used in closed-loop recycling, thus reducing the need for virgin raw materials.
The scope of this Research Topic focuses on sustainable raw materials for concrete materials and structures, and related effects on materials properties such as:
• Early age properties: fresh rheology, mechanical, etc.
• Reactivity and microstructure development
• Durability
• Recyclability
The production of Portland cement is responsible for 6 - 8 % of total anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Half of this CO2 is released by the chemical decarbonisation reaction of limestone raw material (CaCO3?CaO + CO2?), while the other half is coming from thermal energy requirement for clinkerisation reaction. Major sustainability improvements have already been demonstrated in terms of efficiency in raw materials production and their replacement by the use of alternative sources to realise concrete with similar performance. However, so far they allow for a maximal CO2 emission reduction by half, which is only half a way from the targeted reduction by a quarter. Another important aspect in this context is the durability of concrete infrastructure as well as recyclability.
Chemical and physical processes underlying the hardening of mineral binders not only affect the development of porosity microstructural and mechanical properties, but also processability, i.e. fresh rheology, and finally the durability of concrete in service as well as recyclability. Thus, complementary studies are required to determine the optimum mineral binder and concrete composition designed for various specific applications.
The use of sustainable alternative raw materials (including recycled aggregates) should reduce impacts of production steps and avoid impacts of landfilling and related environmental hazards. Here approaches on new binders with increased durability are of interest. Moreover, end-of-life materials processes are also to be considered, where individual components should be separated and used in closed-loop recycling, thus reducing the need for virgin raw materials.
The scope of this Research Topic focuses on sustainable raw materials for concrete materials and structures, and related effects on materials properties such as:
• Early age properties: fresh rheology, mechanical, etc.
• Reactivity and microstructure development
• Durability
• Recyclability
