How to design durable concrete mix for sustainability?

Abstract

In order to achieve the sustainability of social development, low carbon emission has played more and more important role. In this complex world scenario, infrastructure regeneration and rehabilitation; cement and concrete materials have an undeniable part to play in enhancing the quality of human life. If we are to avoid unredeemable environmental degradation globally, sustainable development of the cement and concrete industry has to be the foundation for all construction activity in the next millennium. The durability of cement and concrete materials is closely related to low carbon emission and energy saving. High performance and high durable concrete materials can contribute to the saving of raw materials, reducing of cement usage as well as low maintenance for long life. In order to achieve the objective of low carbon emission for ready mix concrete products, the design of concrete mix should be reconsidered. In this paper, the principles of ready mix concrete design has been discussed based on the durability requirements according to the new concrete Standard SS EN206-1. In every step of the design, the requirement of low carbon emission and green materials has been considered. Examples of design procedures are also illustrated in this paper for easy reference.