Title: Performance-Based Specifications and Sustainable Development Using Slag Cement

Author(s): C.-M. Aldea, B. Shenton, and B. Cornelius

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 269

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 37-48

Keywords: alkali-silica reaction (ASR); heat of hydration; high-density concrete; performance specifications; semi-adiabatic curing; slag cement; sustainability.

DOI: 10.14359/51663721

Date: 3/1/2010

Abstract:
In recent years, human sustainability has been increasingly associated with the integration of economic, social, and environmental spheres. The concrete industry is committed to minimizing any negative impact it may contribute to the natural environment. When performance-based specifications are used, performance requirements are stated in measurable terms. They promote a better use of materials, including supplementary cementitious materials, provided that the finished product meets performance requirements. Slag is an industrial by-product, which when used in concrete has engineering, economical, and ecological benefits; therefore it makes concrete a more sustainable product. In this paper, performance-based specifications and sustainable development are defined in the context of the concrete industry, and examples of two projects, where performance-based specifications, sustainable development and high volumes of slag were successfully used: 50% slag replacement was used to mitigate the alkali-silica reaction of local fine aggregate for use in making concrete for the construction of DeBeers diamond mine facilities in Northern Ontario, Canada; 50% slag replacement was used to limit the heat-generation capacity of high-density concrete during the initial period of curing and subsequent cooling to avoid thermal cracking for high level used nuclear fuel waste storage containers.