Use of industrial byproducts and recycled materials in concrete structures - An engineer's perspective

摘要

During the period after 1945, cements have become progressively more reactive and it has become possible to develop higher compressive strengths and to reach the required strength with lower cement content. Mix design techniques have been developed to produce concrete with compact microstructure, e.g. grading and aggregate packing. It has also been recognised that there is a limit on the availability of natural aggregate and minerals used for making cement, and it is necessary to reduce energy consumption and emission of carbon dioxide resulting from construction processes. Solutions to this problem are sought through usage of recycled concrete aggregates and industrial by-products as partial replacement of Portland Cement. However, it is important for an engineer to ensure that use of any construction materials does not adversely influence safety, quality and durability of concrete structures. This paper examines the merits of using such alternative materials and various issues related to the influence of these materials on performance of concrete.