Computers and Concrete

Volume 10, Number 4, 2012, pages 391-407

DOI: 10.12989/cac.2012.10.4.391

A software-assisted comparative assessment of the effect of cement type on concrete carbonation and chloride ingress

S. Demis and V.G. Papadakis

Abstract

Utilization of supplementary cementing materials (SCM) by the cement industry, as a highly promising solution of sustainable cement development aiming to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, necessitates a more thorough evaluation of these types of materials on concrete durability. In this study a comparative assessment of the effect of SCM on concrete durability, of every cement type as defined in the European Standard EN 197-1 is taking place, using a software tool, based on proven predictive models (according to performance-related methods for assessing durability) developed and wide-validated for the estimation of concrete service life when designing for durability under harsh environments. The effect of Type II additives (fly ash, silica fume) on CEM I type of cement, as well as the effect of every Portland-composite type of cement (and others) are evaluated in terms of their performance in carbonation and chloride exposure, for a service life of 50 years. The main aim is to portray a unified and comprehensive evaluation of the efficiency of SCM in order to create the basis for future consideration of more types of cement to enter the production line in industry.

Key Words

carbonation; cement type; chloride penetration; concrete technology; corrosion; model prediction; service life; software.

Address

S. Demis: AEIPLOUS Institute for Innovation & Sustainable Development, Patras, Greece; V.G. Papadakis: Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, University of Western Greece, Agrinio, Greece