Predictive service life analysis of characteristic applications of zeolite concrete in building structures

Abstract

Service life prediction analysis of a building envelope made of concrete containing natural zeolite as supplementary cementitious material is presented in the paper. Coupled heat and moisture transport, which can cause the appearance of freeze/thaw cycles leading to subsequent mechanical damage, is assumed as the main damage mechanism. Moisture and temperature fields are predicted using numerical analysis based on the finite element method. As boundary conditions, the dynamic climatic data for Prague are utilized. Four different types of zeolite concrete are applied as the load bearing structure. The analyzed building envelope is assumed either without any surface layers or provided with external and internal plasters. The most complex case is the envelope with expanded polystyrene as a thermal insulation layer and plasters on both surfaces. Computational results indicate that the amount of zeolite in the concrete mix should be chosen with care, taking into account the specific conditions of concrete application. © 2014 WIT Press.