GEOCRETE · Long-term performance simulation of geopolymer concrete under coupled carbonation and chloride transport
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2016-06-15 → 2018-06-14
- EU contribution
- €165,599
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Long-term performance simulation of geopolymer concrete under coupled carbonation and chloride transport
The main aim of this project is long-term performance simulation of geopolymer concrete (GPC) under coupled chloride and carbonation transport. GPC has received extensive attention as an interesting alternative for ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based concrete as a step forward to eco-friendly construction and to reduce the environmental impacts of conventional construction materials. Climate change is one of the biggest environmental problems affecting Europe in the past decades and has been widely acknowledged as one of the major challenges for Europe and a key policy issue. In the construction sector, approximately 12 billion tonnes of OPC is approximately produced yearly. Portland cement, the main binder of OPC, emits substantial amount of CO2 (0.94 tonnes for each tonne of cement) and consumes a large amount of natural limestone. Cement manufacturing also releases large amounts of SO3 and NOx that can cause the greenhouse effect and acid rain. These issues have lightened up the need for green replacements, such as GPC, for OPC concrete in the construction sector. Structural components made of GPC are also expected to be more durable due to the low permeability, and satisfactory chemical and fire resistance of geopolymers. Moreover, geopolymer mortars are of great interest as a sustainable matrix for conservation and strengthening of existing and historical structures. GPC concrete is still at scientific development stage and, before it becomes acceptable by the industry, obtaining a clear understanding of its service life behaviour is needed. For the past decade, the research has been focused on understanding the chemistry, reaction processes and structure of GPC. Future studies need to target the structural behaviour, durability, and long-term performance under different environmental conditions. Carbonation and chloride transport are the main factors affecting the long-term performance of RC structures and therefore should be critically addressed for these materials as well.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
This project is aimed at long-term performance simulation of geopolymer concrete (GPC) under coupled chloride and carbonation transport. GPC has received extensive attention as an interesting alternative for ordinary cement-based concrete as a step forward to Eco-friendly construction and thus reducing the environmental impacts of conventional construction methods and materials. Geopolymer mortars are also of great interest to be used as a sustainable matrix for conservation and strengthening of existing structures. Geopolymer concrete made of fly ash and blast furnace slag binary system is the main focus of this proposal.The project objective will be achieved through advanced multi-scale modelling and limited experimental testing. A chemo-transport framework, in which the transport and degradation are coupled at different length scales, will be implemented for the first time to simulate the micro-structural development and degradation in GPC systems since early ages. The realization of the project will be a great step forward on the current knowledge on GPC materials and of interest for both academy and industry. The project main outputs will be the developed multi-scale framework, time-dependent chloride concentration levels at reinforcing bars' surfaces as the main indicator of durability in RC structures, and design and construction guidelines for durable GPCs. The project will also fill the current gaps in the knowledge of the fellow. After the project, the fellow is expected to become a leader in the field of GPC materials and multi-scale modelling. Advanced training on complementary skills will also be given to the fellow to prepare him for independent excellent research and finding a permanent academic position.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITEIT DELFT · DelftCoordinatorNetherlands
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union