An analysis of the environmental effects of three types of concrete: Ready-mixed, reactive powder, and geopolymer

Abstract

This study assesses the effects of three forms of concrete: geopolymer concrete, reactive powder concrete (RPC), and ready-mix concrete (RMC) on the environment, the economy, and sustainability. Evaluating their cost-effectiveness for construction, embodied energy (EE), and embodied carbon (EC) is the aim. The research method employed involves calculating the EE, EC, and cost of materials used during the production stage only. The results show that although RMC gives ease at a high carbon emission cost, RPC delivers great strength at a high cost and emissions. Utilizing waste resources, geopolymer concrete lowers emissions while providing sustainability. Reusing waste materials improves the performance of concrete and lowers pollution. The study emphasizes that, especially when waste is used well, strength need frequently translate into expense. RMC has a major negative influence on the environment while guarantees consistent quality. Despite its strength, RPC has issues with cost and material availability. The strength and emission reduction of geopolymer concrete are excellent. In geopolymers, alkali activators and steel fibers are the source of EE and EC, whereas cement and steel fibers are the reason for their high levels in RMC and RPC. Overall, the research indicates that favorable, ecologically friendly results are feasible obtained by improving the composition of concrete. To provide cost-effective and sustainable concrete compositions and enable well-informed decision-making in building projects, ongoing research and innovation are crucial.