Title:
Moving Towards <50% Clinker Content via Low-Clinker LC3 – Insights on Carbonation Performance
Author(s):
Kumar
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S24_Kumar.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/23/2024
Abstract:
Corrosion of steel in concrete is the most significant cause of concrete deterioration. Current design doctrines believe reduced alkalinity in low-clinker concrete increases the possibility of steel corrosion. This philosophy stymies the use of such binder systems in reinforced concrete. The buffer capacity of these systems further reduces as we move towards <40% clinker. However, the possibility of improving this buffer capacity in such systems is yet to be explored. This study examines the impact of doping small amounts of calcined clay with portlandite by about 5 – 15 %. It is observed that there is a substantial reduction in carbonation depth by ~55 % at every exposure time, clearly indicating improved buffer capacity. Furthermore, stabilization of some AFm phases is observed, indicating greater microstructural refinement, moving away from conventional thermodynamic interpretations. Such studies are vital and provide a paradigm shift of carbonation-induced steel corrosion in such low-clinker systems.