Durability of low-clinker concrete

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The principal objective of my research is to increase the sustainability of concrete construction by conducting research and developing new technologies for reducing the portland cement clinker content of concrete. Portland cement clinker is produced in a kiln and consists of solid nodules of sintered material. When cooled it is interground with calcium sulfate to produce the finished cement. Typically in North America portland cement contains about 92% clinker. The production of portland cement clinker is a major greenhouse gas emitter and reducing the clinker content of concrete increases its sustainability as a construction material. Studies will be conducted in the following areas: (i) use of supplementary cementing materials to replace high proportions of Portland cement in concrete (i.e. larger replacement levels than those traditionally used); (ii) use of a wider range of recycled materials and industrial by-products as components of concrete; (iii) use of low-clinker (low-CO2) cements such as portland limestone cement and/or blended cement; (iv) development of mathematical models to predict concrete deterioration and aid in the selection of materials and design of concrete structures to maximize service life. The approach adopted will range from studying the materials at the microstructural level through to their use in field trials.