Sustainable modified pozzolanic supplementary cementitious materials based on natural zeolite, fly ash and silica fume

Abstract

Abstract The present study examined the effectiveness of pozzolanic supplementary cementitious materials (P-SCMs), such as fly ash (FA), super fine zeolite (SFZ) and silica fume (SF), in reducing the energy intensity and CO2 emissions of concrete based on ordinary Portland cement. Optimization of the composition of the P-SCMs was carried out by the simplex-lattice Scheffe method according to the criterion of pozzolanic activity. The type and level of P-SCM replacement was analyzed to improve cement paste properties and target CO2 reduction in concretes. It is shown that the combination of pozzolanic materials of different origin and granulometric composition helps to improve the quality of bended cements and speed up the concrete production process. Blends of pozzolanic P-SCMs results in environmentally friendly concrete with a significant positive impact on the environment. This can be considered the main initiative of sustainability of concrete production.