Using of supplementary material in concrete production respecting the environment protection technologies

Abstract

Concrete production is closely connected with large energy costs and even larger emission of greenhouse gases. An ecologically sustainable and responsible approach is being adopted with respect to waste minimization and application of alternative materials in building construction, to improve sustainability through energy efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, the cost of building and life-cycle maintenance. This paper is aimed at evaluation of relation between deleterious processes caused by bacteria influence on concrete samples by comparison leached-outs from samples prepared with OPC (ordinary Portland cement) and from samples prepared as a green concrete (with 90% of granulated blast furnace slag). Concentrations of calcium, silicon, aluminium and iron were measured by X-Ray fluorescence analysis in one-week period during 9 months of influence of bacteria Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans. Either pH values of leachates were investigated during the same time period. The relation between leached-out concentrations each other and its closeness to the pH was investigated by calculation of correlation coefficients. The paper deals with usage of granulated blast furnace slag as substitution materials towards concrete sustainability in relation to acceptable properties when they are subjected to the microbial influence.