Title: Full probabilistic service life prediction and life cycle assessment of concrete with fly ash and blast-furnace slag in a submerged marine environment: a parameter study

Authors: Philip Van den Heede; Mathias Maes; Elke Gruyaert; Nele De Belie

Addresses: Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, B9052 Ghent, Belgium. ' Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, B9052 Ghent, Belgium. ' Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, B9052 Ghent, Belgium. ' Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Ghent University, Technologiepark Zwijnaarde 904, B9052 Ghent, Belgium

Abstract: Nowadays, more attention is being paid to sustainability in construction. Over the years, the concrete research community has developed a wide range of potential 'green' concretes. To reduce cement related CO₂ emissions, a considerable part of the traditional binder can be replaced with industrial by-products. However, as a result of the current focus on comparative durability assessment based on accelerated tests, sufficient knowledge on the actual service life and sustainability of these materials is still lacking. In this paper, we combined both approaches for concrete exposed to chlorides. Different mixes were subjected to a rapid chloride migration test. With the results obtained, probabilistic service life prediction was done. This service life together with the material's strength was used as input for life cycle assessment of an axially loaded column. Results show that the environmental impact of fly ash and slag concrete is less than half the impact of traditional concrete.

Keywords: service life prediction; life cycle assessment; concrete LCA; fly ash; blast furnace slag; BFS; submerged marine environment; sustainability; construction industry; sustainable development; green concretes; durability assessment; chlorides; axially loaded columns; environmental impact; sea water.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2012.049141

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2012 Vol.11 No.1, pp.32 - 49

Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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