Supplementary cementitious materials in concrete and associated structural and environmental benefits: A review

Abstract

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are the materials which can replace certain amount of cement in concrete. In this way, they not only enhance the properties of concrete but also assist in reducing several environment-related issues. This review article presents the various SCMs that have proven beneficial in replacing cement in concrete. In this regard, the various SCMs discussed are fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), metakaolin (MK), limestone filler, granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) and nanoparticles (NPs). Further, among the various NPs, nano-TiO2 (NT) and its addition in concrete and benefits were explained briefly. This article also highlights the NT-based photocatalytic degradation of the various contaminants of the environmental media i.e., water and air. Subsequently, the emphasis was also given on the discussion of its practical usage and then the various structures, comprising NT, built all around the world were also presented. This article concluded that more comprehensive review articles need to be published to encourage the developing nations also adopt the NT-based concrete structures. In this way, impacts associated with the various air pollution sources i.e., stubble burning, vehicular pollution etc., can be mitigated.