A new type of binding material for concrete mixtures has been obtained by physical and chemical treatments of a mineral addition from municipal incinerator bottom ash (MIBA). The treatment process is characterized by a wet micro-grinding of the mineral particles, a full separation of metal scraps from the ground bottom ash, the removal of metallic aluminum particles, and then the absence of hydrogen bubbles development at pH 13 which would occur in the aqueous phase of the fresh concrete during the Portland cement hydration. The final product, in form of a slurry, is partially dried so that a humid aggregate appearing in form of sand is obtained with agglomerated grains of size in the range of 0-6 mm (0-0.24 in.) and with the elemental particles forming the agglomerated grains usually not higher than 12 μm (0.48 μin). The final product has high pozzolanic properties and can be used to produce concrete with improved properties, both in the fresh and hardened states. The new ground mineral addition has been studied to manufacture concrete mixtures from two different points of view: 1) the equivalent strength; 2) the equivalent durability. The present work illustrates the results of research work on the equivalent durability carried out to obtain the certification of a new product through a specific consent of the European Technical Approval (ETA) in order to determine the equivalent strength of the concretes manufactured with a ground bottom ash from MIBA. The assessment of the equivalent durability has been carried out according to the CEN TR 16563 procedure. Besides the compressive strength, the following measurements have been carried out to determine the equivalent durability: water tightness, penetration of carbon dioxide and chloride ions, and exposure to a sulphate aqueous solution.

The design principle of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing composite bars for concrete structures has been well established through extensive research and field practices. Provisions governing certification testing and evaluation as well as quality control/assessment and FRP design provisions, are now in place to regulate materials specifications and design aspects and guide FRP manufacturers and end-users. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) group addressing the state-of-the-art FRP material specifications and design requirement recently issued two updated provisions. The new edition of CSA S807 includes several additions and modifications in terms of quality and qualification requirements, material properties, testing procedures, and material mechanical and durability limitations. Additionally, the updated Section 16 of CSA S6 for the design of fiber-reinforced structures and highway bridges aimed at providing more rational design algorithms and allowing practitioners to take full advantage of the efficiency and economic appeal of FRP bars. This paper presents a summary of these recent modifications in Canadian codes and standards, introducing the underlying rationale. Additionally, the paper highlights the recent field applications of FRP bars in different types of concrete civil-engineering infrastructure.

The expectations of stakeholders across the construction industry value chain have increased significantly because of new legislation, a growing body of scientific evidence and a greater understanding of sustainability impacts. There is now a demand for companies to manage a wide range of issues in a systematic way, to improve performance and to be able to demonstrate this.

Designers and specifiers are demanding transparent, reliable data and comparable sustainability information about competing construction materials. Standard setting organizations and building rating systems are maturing in their requirements. Third-party certification bodies have responded with improved certification schemes that facilitate the provision of data collection, auditing and reporting. The CARES Sustainable Constructional Steel (SCS) scheme, which certifies reinforcing carbon and stainless steel, structural steel and hot rolled flat steel internationally, is a good example of such a scheme.

Developed with the inputs of a wide range of stakeholders, the accredited scheme is based on the foundations of technical specifications, traceability and product quality as well as the sustainability principles of inclusivity, integrity, stewardship and transparency. Specification of certified steels for reinforced concrete helps reduce detrimental and increase positive sustainability impacts across the construction industry value chain.

In the last 10 years there have been tremendous developments made in the strength of the adhesives and the fields of applications of adhesive anchor systems. Hence these systems are used for structural attachments in a wide variety of applications in concrete construction. Suitable products, careful selection and design, and proper installation are vital for the overall performance of a structural connection. While suitable products prequalified under provisions such as AC308 and ACI 355.4-10, and produced under strict quality control are or will be on the market – demonstrated by an Evaluation Service Report - and rational design models have been developed to ensure a reliable use of adhesive anchor systems in daily construction practice, the knowledge of the designers and installers in fastening technology is often not adequate. The knowledge of the designers should be updated regularly. Adhesive anchors should be installed by properly trained installers. However, the training of the installers needs to be improved significantly. The proper training should be demonstrated by a certificate that is issued by an independent agency after passing a corresponding test. The new ACI Anchor Installer Certification program that is currently under progress will fulfill this requirement.

A laboratory and field test program was undertaken to determine the perfromance of a nuclear water/cement content gauge for fresh concrete. The laboratory evaluations included study of the effects such variables as air content, pozzolans, hold time, coarse aggregate, and temperature on gauge response. The laboratory testing demonstrated that the gauge is sensitive to materials compositions and other factors, and therefore must be calibrated with exactly the same materials as will be used on the job in question. With proper calibration in a laboratory setting, the cement gauge is capable of determining cement content of fresh concrete to within approximately 10 to 20 lb/yd3 (6 to 12 kg/m3). The water gauge is capable of determining water content to within approximately 2 to 4 lb/yd3 (1 to 2 kg/m3). Field tests at two locations are described. Favorable results were acheived where calibrations were carefully carried out using the same materials as to be used in actual construction. In these cases, avearge water content determinations for a series of samples using the nuclear gauge were comparable to those obtained using a microwave oven drying technique.The gauge is well-suited for use at construction sites. Technicians (having proper radiation safety training and certification) can successfully operate the gauge after a brief period of training, and the gauge can be transported in construction vehicles and set up on-site with a minimum of effort. The test period is short, requiring approximately ten minutes per sample, including consolidating of concrete into a test bucket.