Eco-Concrete in High Temperatures

Materials (Basel). 2023 Jun 6;16(12):4212. doi: 10.3390/ma16124212.

Abstract

Concrete technology is becoming more and more sustainable and ecological following more extensive and focused research. The usage of industrial waste and by-products, such as steel ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS), mine tailing, fly ash, and recycled fibers, is a very important step toward a good transition of concrete into a "green" future and significant improvement in waste management in the world. However, there are also several known durability-related problems with some types of eco-concretes, including exposure to fire. The general mechanism occurring in fire and high-temperature scenarios is broadly known. There are many variables that weightily influence the performance of this material. This literature review has gathered information and results regarding more sustainable and fire-resistant binders, fire-resistant aggregates, and testing methods. Mixes that utilize industrial waste as a total or partial cement replacement have been consistently achieving favorable and frequently superior outcomes when compared to conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC)-based mixes, especially at a temperature exposure up to 400 °C. However, the primary emphasis is placed on examining the impact of the matrix components, with less attention given to other factors such as sample treatment during and following exposure to high temperatures. Furthermore, there is a shortage of established standards that could be utilized in small-scale testing.

Keywords: eco-concrete; elevated temperature; environmentally friendly; fire.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The authors are thankful for the financial support of this research by the Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry (SBUF), Skanska, and LTU.