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
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.