CONCRETEFiX 5.8 – LOW-CARBON BINDERS AND CONCRETES, with a view to their durability and adoption in construction practice
24 July @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
By Prof. Mark Alexander, University of Cape Town
The presentation covers the background to low-carbon cements (binders) and concretes, and places them in a continuum of binder developments in recent decades. It is stressed that low-carbon binders have been used successfully in the form of highly extended cements for a considerable time, provided the properties were understood, and have in many instances produced concrete with admirable durability, especially with regard to chloride ingress and ASR. Low-carbon binders tend to reduce the carbonation resistance of concrete, which has limited their application for certain exposure
categories. However, further research is required to assess if lower carbonation resistance of low carbon-concrete really relates to lower durability, considering that these binders may significantly reduce the risk of reinforcement corrosion propagation. Newer low-carbon binders need careful and comprehensive characterisation of their properties and performance in order to be used confidently and successfully. The challenge of long-term performance is recognised. The demands for low-carbon binders generated by climate change must be speedily satisfied. The presentation concludes with an overview of standards and policies that might facilitate speedy adoption of these materials.
DATE: Thursday, 24 July 2025
via Teams @ 15:00 SAST (UTC+2 hours)
Attendance Free
ECSA CPD accreditation applied for
Only CSSA Members qualify to receive ECSA CPD points. To become a Member visit our website: www.concretesocietysa.org.za or contact Natasja.
RSVP:
Natasja Pols on or before Wednesday, 23 July 2025
natasja.pols@concretesocietysa.org.za