Alkali-activated binders have many cost and durability benefits. Their manufacture uses less energy and produces less carbon dioxide than conventional Portland cement. They are based on minimally processed industrial by-products, which significantly reduces the carbon footprint of concretes made from them. BRE-led research has shown that alkali-activated binder concretes can be used on a commercial scale to produce durable concrete products with physical properties that are comparable to or better than those of equivalent Portland cement concrete. This paper provides an introduction to the technology and reviews the benefits of and barriers to wider adoption of these systems. It also presents the results of industrial-scale production trials.

 

Contents

Introduction

Chemical activating solutions

Mixture design, production and curing

Engineering properties

- Effects of temperature on strength development

Chemical and physical durability

Life-cycle analysis and environmental impact

Construction applications

Barriers overcome and remaining barriers

Standards and regulatory framework

Industrial trials

Environmental benefits of trial products

Current limitations of alkali-activated binder concretes

Future developments

References and further reading

Frequently asked questions about alkali-activated binder concrete