Service life optimization and life cycle assessment of concrete using SCMs as partial replacement of cement

Abstract

Developing a concrete mixture with the lowest possible environmental impacts while improving durability performance is crucial for a sustainable environment. In this study, a Base Case Scenario (BCS) and Alternative Case Scenario (ACS) concrete mixtures were developed with identical water-to-cement ratio (w/c) of 0.4, having cement substitution of 0% and 34%, respectively. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as silica fume, fly ash, and slag cement were implemented as cement replacing mineral admixture. A simplified life-cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to determine environmental impact reduction factors such as fossil fuel depletion, ecotoxicity, ozone depletion, carcinogenic, and global warming. Then a simulation-based approach was carried out to optimize the durability performance of concrete mixtures using Life365™. As a result, a 24.9% reduction of environmental impacts was observed with a decent service life optimization in ACS compared to the BCS mixture.