Evaluation of the fresh and hardened state properties of low cement content systems

Abstract

The production of Portland cement (PC) clinker is responsible for about 6·5% of total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions worldwide. Therefore, recent studies have focused on alternatives to decrease PC content and thus reduce the carbon footprint of concrete construction. Although guidelines suggest a minimum cement content of approximately 250–300 kg/m3 depending on the type of the structure or structural member, there is currently a lack of information on the impact of the amount of cement on the overall behaviour of concrete. This work evaluates the influence of PC (ASTM C150 Type III) content on the fresh (i.e. rheological behaviour) and hardened (i.e. compressive strength, dynamic and static modulus of elasticity, porosity and permeability) properties of concrete mixtures produced with low to moderate (54, 159 and 260 kg/m3) PC amounts. Results show that it is possible to produce eco-efficient concrete without compromising the fresh and hardened states of the material. However, the durability and long-term properties of low cement content systems should be further appraised.