Applications, performance characteristics and environmental benefits of alkali-activated binder concretes
BRE (The Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
On 5 June 2013, BRE published, Applications, performance characteristics and environmental benefits of alkali-activated binder concretes (DG 530), written by Andrew Dunster and Keith Quillin.
Approximately 5% of human-generated CO2 emissions result from cement production. There is a need therefore to develop alternative, low-carbon cements and binders suitable for use at scale in concrete production. Alkali-activated binders (AA binders) and concretes produce less CO2 in their manufacture than conventional Portland Cement (PC). They also offer flexibility in materials sourcing and can give better durability to sulfates and acid than PC.
Alkali-activated binder (AA binder or alkali-activated material) concretes use a single mineral binder, or blend of binders, that are chemically activated by the addition of a highly-alkaline activator solution, generally based on sodium silicate.They encompass a range of finely-divided silicate and aluminosilicate materials including:
- Fly ash (pulverised fuel ash or pfa).
- Thermally treated clays.
- Ground granulated blastfurnace slag (ggbs), in combination or alone.
The BRE digest summarises the state of the art in this emerging area and provides an introduction to the use of these new binders in concrete production, their performance and durability. It is intended for specifiers of concrete products, concrete product producers and those with an interest in low-carbon concrete products.
The contents of the digest are:
- A brief introduction to alkali-activated binder concretes
- Raw materials
- Binders
- Chemical activators
- Concrete production
- Strength development, durability and performance
- Efflorescence
- Alkali–aggregate reaction
- Codes and standards
- Environmental impact (LCA) of AA binder concretes
- Conclusions
- References
- Further reading
Click here to see the digest in the BRE Bookshop.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Admixture, additive or agent.
- Admixtures in concrete.
- Alkali-activated binders for precast and ready-mixed concrete products: A route map to standardisation, certification and guidance.
- Alkali-activated binders for precast and ready-mixed concrete products: New supply chains, business models and environmental benefits.
- Alkali-aggregate reaction (AAR).
- Alkali-silica reaction (ASR).
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Cement in Saudi Arabia.
- Cement.
- Concrete vs. steel.
- Concrete.
- High alumina cement.
- Material Flow Analysis: A tool for sustainable aggregate sourcing.
- Mortar.
- Rendering.
- Research on novel cements to reduce CO2 emissions.
- Screed.
- Spalling.
- Stucco.
- Sustainable materials.
- The use of concrete structures to protect construction sites.
Featured articles and news
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..