More eco-efficient concrete : an approach on optimization in the production and use of waste-based supplementary cementing materials.

Abstract

This paper presents a study that includes increase in clinker replacement and waste consumption in cement-based composites. Techniques for performance optimization of waste-based supplementary cementing materials in densely packed matrices using basic oxygen furnace slag, iron ore tailings from a tailings dam, quartz mining tailings and quartzite mining tailings were evaluated. Powders with different particle size ranges were produced and characterized. A highly-packed sand-concrete reference mix was designed and six different mixtures with 10−60 vol% partial cement replacement were evaluated. The high binder efficiencies observed and physical-mechanical performances evidence the effectiveness of the proposal, expanding the concept of low-cost supplementary cementing materials and broadening the range of residual materials suitable for use in cement-based composites.