Greener and stronger foundations

as a result of using GGBS cement

David OFlynn doflynn@ecocem.ie 087 9654891

Ecocem Ireland

Brief History of GGBS

1862: Hydraulic potential of GGBS discovered in Germany
Early 1900s - Portland Blast Furnace Cements had an established
place in the concrete market

2004: More than 5,000,000 tonnes of GGBS produced in Germany

2006: Approximately 2,000,000 tonnes of GGBS produced in UK
2008: Over 400,000 tonnes available in Ireland

GGBS Manufacture

GGBS - Environment

GGBS - Environment
CO2 emissions for GGBS and cement production
Typical CO2 Emissions for Portland Cement and GGBS Production
(Figures in kg per tonne of output)

900

kg per Tonne of Output

800
Other energy used

700

Fossil Fuel Use

600

Process Emissions

500
400
300
200
100
0
Portland Cement

GGBS

Environmental Savings
Environmental savings per typical base
Equivalent
25 Cars or 10 acres of
mature forestry/year

CO2

79.4 tonnes

SO2
NOx
CO
PM10
Energy

245 kg
343 kg
245 kg
42.7 kg
94,000 kwh Power 18 homes for
one year
160 tonnes

Limestone/
Shale

www.ecocem.ie

GGBS Controlling thermal

cracking

Controlling thermal cracking

Image courtesy of Wind Farm Civils

Controlling thermal cracking

Heat of Hydration
GGBS lowers peak and overall heat
Substitution level 70%

Controlling thermal cracking

Maximum temperature differential on 1500mm deep base

0% GGBS
26 degrees

50% GGBS
23 degrees

30% GGBS
25 degrees

70% GGBS
19 degrees

Controlling thermal cracking

20m x 20m x 2.4 m deep base with 70% GGBS
60

50

40

30

Highest

Lowest
Difference
20

10

Controlling thermal cracking

Image courtesy of Wind Farm Civils

Controlling thermal cracking

Maximise use of GGBS to reduce heat generated
Install and monitor thermocouples
Insulate if required
Minimise placing temperature
Cover with plastic sheeting to protect from wind
Remove insulation in stages

GGBS strength benefits

Long term strength development

95
85
75

N/mm2

65

42.5 & 50% GGBS

55

45
42.5

35
25
15
0

20

40

60

80

100

Days

120

140

160

180

200

Temperature matched curing

Strength N/mm2

1.1m deep base with 70% GGBS

Foundation Slab: C40/50 @ 70% GGBS

50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
1

Day Age
Standard

4
TMC

GGBS Durability benefits

Durability increased resistance to acids

Peaty soils acidic environment

0% GGBS

30% GGBS

50% GGBS

Durability increased resistance to sulphates

Durability increased resistance to salts

Marine Environment
Lower chloride ion diffusivity
Lower porosity/permeability

Durability increased resistance to salts

BS 6349 Maritime Structures Table 22

Summary
Environmental
Positive PR
Assist with planning applications
Consistent ethos

Reduced risk of cracking

Longer life
Reduced maintenance

Increased long term strength

Improved durability
Increased resistance to attack in peaty/acidic environments
Increased resistance to attack in marine environments
David OFlynn doflynn@ecocem.ie 087 9654891