Service life optimization and life cycle assessment of concrete using SCMs as partial replacement of cement

Abstract

Developing a concrete mixture with the lowest possible environmental impacts while improving durability performance is crucial for a sustainable environment. In this study, a Base Case Scenario (BCS) and Alternative Case Scenario (ACS) concrete mixtures were developed with identical water-to-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.4, having cement substitution of 0% and 34%, respectively. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as silica fume, fly ash, and slag cement were implemented as cement replacing mineral admixture. A simplified life-cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to determine environmental impact reduction factors such as fossil fuel depletion, ecotoxicity, ozone depletion, carcinogenic, and global warming. Then a simulation-based approach was carried out to optimize the durability performance of concrete mixtures using Life365™. As a result, a 24.9% reduction of environmental impacts was observed with a decent service life optimization in ACS compared to the BCS mixture.

Enhancing Concrete Performance through Sustainable Utilization of Class-C and Class-F Fly Ash: A Comprehensive Review

“…FA is an SCM in concrete output due to its pozzolanic properties, enhancing various characteristics of concrete mixtures. Its utilization helps to improve concrete structures' workability, durability, and long-term strength [15][16][17].…”

“…The use of SCMs relies on conventional cement, thus reducing CO 2 emissions and environmental impact. Additionally, including SCMs enhances the concluding properties through the pozzolanic reaction with calcium hydroxide (CH) formed during cement hydration [15][16][17]. This reaction yields additional binding compounds, resulting in denser concrete with improved strength and reduced permeability, enhancing its resistance to various detrimental factors like chemical attacks and cracking.…”

“…This reaction yields additional binding compounds, resulting in denser concrete with improved strength and reduced permeability, enhancing its resistance to various detrimental factors like chemical attacks and cracking. The increased durability of concrete structures incorporating pozzolans prolongs their service life, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or premature replacement [15][16][17]. Consequently, this approach minimizes life cycle costs and mitigates the resource consumption associated with recurrent reconstruction activities, aligning with sustainable construction practices.…”

Comparative Analysis of Multi-Criteria Decision Making and Life Cycle Assessment Methods for Sustainable Evaluation of Concrete Mixtures

“…Specifically, it employs the Life−365 Service Life Prediction Model TM, developed by Ehlen, Thomas, and Bentz in 2001 [70]. Previous studies have successfully employed this software to predict the service life of concrete mixtures based on their diffusivity coefficient [71,72]. The values from Tables 2 and 5 were used in the analysis.…”

Influence of Salt-Lime Stabilization on Soil Strength for Construction on Soft Clay

“…Zaman et al [21] conducted a numerical finite element simulation approach to determine slope stability. Similarly, research works were also performed considering environmental impacts [22] [23] [24] [25] and structural variety [26] [27] [28]. In previous studies, binders were also incorporated to enhance the performance of concrete and bituminous pavements [29]- [36].…”