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Title: Alternative Cementitious Materials: Challenges And Opportunities

Author(s): Lisa E. Burris; Prasanth Alapati; Robert D. Moser; M. Tyler Ley; Neal Berke; and Kimberly E. Kurtis

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 305

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 27.1-27.10

Keywords: Alternative cementitious materials; calcium sulfoaluminate cement; calcium aluminate cement; alkali activated binders; sustainability; durability; in-situ performance

DOI: 10.14359/51688587

Date: 9/1/2015

Abstract:
Cement production accounts for 1650 million metric tons of yearly global CO2 emissions [1], making it one of the largest contributors to worldwide CO2 emissions. One pathway to reducing CO2 emissions associated with concrete construction is through the use of alternative cementitious materials and binders (ACMs) such as calcium sulfoaluminate, calcium aluminate, and alkali-activated binders. These materials often require lower production temperatures than ordinary portland cements (OPC) and have lower calcium contents, reducing the emissions associated with CO2 released from calcium carbonate during calcination. Most ACMs are not new materials, but past uses have been primarily limited to small-scale applications such as pavement repairs and little field experience exists concerning their long-term durability in highly-trafficked structures such as pavements and bridge decks. This paper presents outcomes after the first year of a U.S. Department of Transportation effort to increase understanding of how to best utilize ACMs in new transportation infrastructure throughout the U.S. and presents the challenges in evaluating the durability of these materials using laboratory testing methods developed for use with OPC concrete. These concepts form the foundation for continued research and broader implementation of ACMs in transportation infrastructure.