Life cycle assessment (LCA) of an alkali-activated binary concrete based on natural volcanic pozzolan: A comparative analysis to OPC concrete

Abstract

This article evaluates, through a life cycle assessment (LCA), the GWP (Global Warming Potential) and GTP (Global Temperature Change Potential) of an alkali-activated binary concrete (AABC) based on natural volcanic pozzolan from Colombia (NP) (70%) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) (30%). A NaOH and Na2SiO3 solution was used as alkaline activator. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility of producing an AABC of “normal strength”, with an equal or even higher compressive strength than the OPC concrete, designed and produced in an equivalent manner to the AABC, and a clear environmental advantage as its carbon footprint (GWP) is 44.7% lower (AABC = 210.90 kg CO2 eq/m3 vs. OPC = 381.17 kg CO2 eq/m3). These results are viewed as an important contribution towards the adoption and standardization of the production methods (on an industrial scale) of low carbon footprint alkali-activated concrete in the foreseeable future in countries with soils mostly deriving from volcanic ashes like Colombia.