Ecological concrete

Concrete with low cement content

Subject
Ecological concrete with low cement content contributes to decrease CO2 emissions. It is produced by replacing cement with fine fillers, while material performance is retained by increasing the particle packing density.

53% 17% 52% 30% 18% 51% 30% Cement 50% 19% 30% 20% Filler Water 30%

=
+
Water ? %

Design Method

From trial-and-error testing of ecological concrete to a design method predicting the ideal concrete composition

Research goal
Developing a design method, based on particle packing models, to lower the cement content in concrete.

TNO 00708
0
50 100 m

Particle packing of cement - PFM

250 200 150 100 50

Flow value [mm]

R = 0.80
Mortars
0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1

Pilot-project Heijmans Rosmalen

Packing density mortar / Maximum possible packing density (CPM) [-]

Result
A design method for ecological concrete, based on particle packing models, which controls the material properties in such a way that safe construction is ensured.

Researcher Supervisor Program Host University

Sonja Fennis / S.A.A.M.Fennis@TUDelft.nl Prof. dr. ir. J.C. Walraven STW 06922 Ecoconcrete Delft University of Technology / Civil Engineering - Geosciences

Ecological concrete

Concrete with low cement content

Delft University of Technology, Civil Engineering and Geosciences, Design & Construction, Delft, The Netherlands, S.A.A.M.Fennis@TUDelft.nl

S.A.A.M. Fennis, Prof. dr. ir. J.C. Walraven

Subject Ecological concrete with low cement content contributes to decrease CO2 emissions. It is produced by replacing cement with fine fillers, while material performance is retained by increasing the particle packing density. Goal Developing a design method, based on particle packing models, to lower the cement content in concrete. Research Question How can particle packing models be used to predict the mechanical properties of ecological concrete from its basic components? Strategy Particle packing models are evaluated and an improved model, including micro-particles, is developed. Experiments on the packing of micro-particles are used to develop an optimized composition procedure for ecological concrete. A number of optimized ecological concrete mixtures will be tested on strength, modulus of elasticity, shrinkage and creep. Expected Result A design method for ecological concrete, based on particle packing models, which controls the material properties in such a way that safe construction is ensured. Preferred Partners Applications / Sponsors The research project is funded by STW. Cooperation exists with TNO Building and Environment and Heijmans Infrastructure. The results are useful for contractors, cement and concrete producers, material suppliers, consultancy and engineering firms, research companies, government and universities. Prime Publication Fennis, S.A.A.M, Walraven, J.C., Uijl, J.A. den. (2007) The use of particle packing models to reduce the water demand of concrete. CONSEC07 Concrete under Severe Conditions, Environment and Loading. 4-6 June 2007, Tours, France. pp 937-942 Research Period 2005-2009