Innovations in Concrete to Improve Durability and Sustainability

Presented by: Susan Armstrong – PA Aggregates & Concrete Assoc.

Approved for 1 PDH

This presentation will investigate CO2 emission from concrete, assessing durability of sustainable levels, as well
as current codes, standards and specifications as they relate to sustainability and the barriers to reducing carbon
emissions of concrete. Options to reduce carbon emissions include optimization of total aggregate gradations,
use of Portland Limestone Cement, increased levels of supplementary cementitious materials, and use of
carbon mineralization. These methods reduce the carbon footprint of concrete while providing equivalent or
better durability characteristics. Studies on Freeze-Thaw Durability, Scaling, Chloride Permeability, and Alkali
Silica Reactivity mitigation have been conducted. There are still barriers in achieving this goal. Codes and
Standards do not always keep up with the latest technologies. Prescriptive design specifications do not address
performance criteria required for a durable, sustainable structure.

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