Abstract
This research study evaluated the effects of adding Scottish canal sediment after calcination at 750 °C in combination with GGBS on hydration, strength and microstructural properties in ternary cement mixtures in order to reduce their carbon footprint (CO2) and cost. A series of physico-chemical, hydration heat, mechanic performance, mercury porosity and microstructure tests or observations was performed in order to evaluate the fresh and hardened properties. The physical and chemical characterisation of the calcined sediments revealed good pozzolanic properties that could be valorised as a potential co-product in the cement industry. The results obtained for mortars with various percentages of calcined sediment confirmed that this represents a previously unrecognised potential source of high reactivity pozzolanic materials. The evolution of the compressive strength for the different types of mortars based on the partial substitution of cement by slag and calcined sediments showed a linear increase in compressive strength for 90 days. The best compressive strengths and porosity were observed in mortars composed of 50% cement, 40% slag and 10% calcined sediment (CSS10%) after 90 days. In conclusion, the addition of calcined canal sediments as an artificial pozzolanic material could improve strength and save significant amounts of energy or greenhouse gas emissions, while potentially contributing to Scotland’s ambitious 2045 net zero target and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in the UK and Europe.
Highlights
In recent years, the utilisation of supplementary cementitious materials in the building sector [1] as an alternative material has been considered as a suitable solution for improving sustainability [2]
Blast furnace slag and dredged sediments can be used as partial replacements of cement [5,6]
We study the potential reuse of calcined freshwater canal sediment and GGBS on ternary cement mixture properties
Summary
The utilisation of supplementary cementitious materials in the building sector [1] as an alternative material has been considered as a suitable solution for improving sustainability [2]. Cement factories are considered extremely polluting (emitting roughly 1 t CO2 for every 1 t clinker) [4], with consumption of natural resources and energy 1 t clinker) that are relatively costly (200€ for every 1 t clinker). To this end, several current studies are aimed at finding new solutions in order to reduce the impact of construction, in general, on the environment and the ecosystem. The valorisation of treated sediments in the building sector is a credible
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