Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Construction and Building Materials

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/conbuildmat

Suitability of BS EN 197-1 CEM II and CEM V cement for production

of low carbon concrete
Mukesh Limbachiya, Sevket Can Bostanci ⇑, Hsein Kew
School of Civil Engineering & Construction, Kingston University, London KT1 2EE, UK

h i g h l i g h t s

 CEM II and CEM V cement concretes reduce the ECO2 and cost of concrete.
 Silica fume is an effective additional cementitious constituent in producing concrete with lower ECO2.
 FA utilisation reduced workability over time significantly.
 CEM II/B-M cement concretes with higher w/c ratios indicated improved pore structure.
 There is a potential to use CEM II and CEM V cement concretes in structural applications.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The environmental destruction of global warming as a result of excessive releasing carbon dioxide (CO2)
Received 8 May 2014 in the atmosphere through burning of fossil fuels is of significant interest to scientific community as well
Received in revised form 9 August 2014 as decision makers and general public worldwide. Electricity generation, transportation, industrial activ-
Accepted 23 August 2014
ities and land use changes have been identified as the main contributors. On the other hand, it is widely
Available online 19 September 2014
reported that the concrete industry contributes around 7% to total global CO2 emissions and Portland
cement (PC) accounts for 90% of this. A number of researches have been undertaken to address this issue
Keywords:
and over the past few years‘ industry have successfully implemented a series of innovative techniques for
Fly ash
Ground granulated blast-furnace slag
minimising its environmental impact quite successfully. The concrete construction industry is continued
Silica fume to put a greater emphasis on adopting more sustainable practices. In keeping with this, reported work
Sustainability was carried out to assess the environmental impact of BS EN 197-1 binary and ternary cement concretes
Durability and thus their suitability for use in low carbon concrete construction.
Mechanical properties Results of this research show that the use of binary and ternary cements has a potential to reduce over-
ECO2 emissions all embodied CO2 (ECO2) emissions and cost in equal design strength concrete. Studies investigating engi-
Carbonation neering (compressive cube and cylinder compressive strength, flexural strength, drying shrinkage) and
Drying shrinkage
durability properties (initial surface absorption, carbonation) were found to provide comparable and
improved results comparing to conventional PC concrete mixes design for equal strength.
Ó 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction Global warming is a growing concern for the human race as a

The use of binary and ternary systems in concrete production
has been acknowledged to enhance engineering and durability per-
formance due to finer characteristics of cementitious constituents
resulting in dense pore structure [1]. Most of the available studies
on this matter focus on mechanical and durability properties of
these concretes. However, there is little or no information available
on the environmental (ECO2 emissions) and economical assess-
ments associated with the performances of binary and ternary
cement concretes.
⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 7540493305.
E-mail address: S.Bostanci@kingston.ac.uk (S.C. Bostanci).
result of releasing significant amount of greenhouse gases to the
atmosphere, and CO2 is being the heaviest contributor of the global
warming amongst greenhouse gases due to human activities such
as burning of fossil fuels. 500 million tones of CO2 are released to
the atmosphere annually throughout all the activities in the UK.
The impact of concrete industry to national CO2 emissions was
estimated around 2.6% in the year 2002 [2]. Additionally, cement
manufacture accounts less than 2% national CO2 emissions [3].
There are 100 million tons of concrete being used and there are
12 million tonnes of PC are manufactured annually which nearly
11 million tonnes of Portland cement were sold in the UK [4].
Current applications are no longer appropriate to define as
environmentally friendly and the UK concrete industry and

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.08.061
0950-0618/Ó 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
398 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405
government are setting the legislations to encourage concrete
industry to further reduce its environmental impact comparing
to baseline set in the Kyoto protocol in 1990. The concrete industry
has agreed to cut down its emissions by 30% by 2020 comparing to
baseline level in link with both national Climate Change Act and
international Kyoto protocol targets [5]. Currently, CO2 emission
of concrete was reduced to 83.4 kg CO2 per tonne achieving 19%
reduction in comparison to 1990 levels, 103.1 kg CO2 per tone
but, the ECO2 of concrete is believed to be around 100 kg CO2 per
tonne [6]. Addition to that, a recent study [7] provided ECO2 of
concretes with design strengths of 40 and 50 N/mm2 as 0.132 kg
ECO2/kg and 0.151 kg ECO2/kg (132 kg ECO2/tonne and 151 kg
ECO2/tonne) respectively. Purnell and Black [8] pointed out that
ECO2 of concrete varies depending upon the concrete design
strength and the proportion of additional cementitious constitu-
ents used. In addition to that, a representative figure of the ECO2
emission of concrete with 300 kg cement content was given as
95 kg ECO2/tonne by the UK Concrete Industry Sustainable Con-
crete forum [9]. Flower and Sanjayan [10] provides values between
0.225 and 0.322 kg/m3 (95–135 kg/tonne approximately) for nor-
mal and blended cement concretes. Several studies with various
replacement levels of additional cementitious constituents provide
discriminate values for the ECO2 of concrete.
Use of additional cementitious constituents such as fly ash (FA),
ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and silica fume (SF) in
binary and ternary systems in concrete production, in conformity
with the cement standard BS EN 197-1 [11], has become a highly
promoted approach towards achieving sustainability. The use of
these cementitious constituents in concrete production as a pro-
portion of total cementitious content has reached up to 30.2% in
2012 in the UK [5].
Extensive research work on binary and ternary cement con-
cretes, using different cement types prepared using CEM I with
other cement constituents on mass basis have shown to improve
long term mechanical performances of concrete [12–15]. However,
early strength gain in these concretes found to be with a significant
deficiency as far as fast track construction is concerned [13,14].
This inhibits these concretes use as structural members. To over-
come this, use of SF is proposed as a potential approach in ternary
blended cements [16].
Research undertaken was aimed at assessing ECO2 and early
and long-term engineering performances of concretes produced
with binary and ternary blended cement conforming BS EN 197-
1 [6]. The 28-day design strengths of test mixes were 40 and
50 N/mm2. The mixes were tested for a key of engineering (com-
pressive cube and cylinder strengths, flexural strength and drying
shrinkage) and durability (near surface absorption test and
carbonation) properties.
2. Research programme
The research programme was mainly divided into two main
parts. Given the impact of concrete industry on the environment,
both economical sustainability as well as environmental perfor-
mances for concrete mixes tested were analysed in the first part.
Whilst the detailed assessment of engineering and durability
properties of these concretes is carried out in the second part.
3. Experimental programme
3.1.1. Materials
Five concrete mixes prepared using BS EN 197-1 cements were cast using nat-
ural uncrushed Thames valley gravel of 20 mm maximum nominal size and natural
sand to BS EN 12620. Table 1 gives the physical and mechanical properties of nat-
ural aggregates used.
The cement types used were CEM I, CEM II/B and CEM V conforming to BS EN
197-1. A CEM I, 52,5N Portland cement used for reference concrete mix for blending
with FA, GGBS and SF to produce CEM II and CEM V cements for the study. FA and SF
used were conforming to BS EN 450-1 [17] and BS 13263-1 [18] respectively. FA
was obtained from Drax coal-fired power station in the UK. GGBS was obtained
from iron-making production in the UK. SF incorporated was in slurry form
including 50% water and 50% silica powder. The main properties of cementitious
constituents are given in Table 2. Water reducer admixture conforming to BS EN
934-2:2009+A1 [19] was used throughout.
3.1.2. Mix proportions and concrete mix design
The CEM I concrete mixes were proportioned following a conventional BRE mix
design method [20]. These mixes were designed for workability between 60 and
180 mm and 28-day strength of 40 and 50 N/mm2. Binary and composite cement
concrete mixes were proportioned using CEM I and other cementitious constituents
(FA, GGBS and SF) blended at the mixer by replacing PC. The water/cement ratio of
binary and ternary cement concrete mixes was modified to obtain 28-day standard
cube strengths equivalent to corresponding CEM I concrete. A summary of mix pro-
portions used are given in Tables 3 and 4. It should be noted that the SF is in the
form of slurry as mentioned previously, thus half of the amount of SF was deducted
from the free water content to maintain the same free water content. Thus, water/
cement ratios for SF incorporated mixes were determined by adding free water con-
tent and half of SF amount and according to that water/cement ratios were deter-
mined ((155 + SF/2)/PC + FA + SF/2 or (GGBS + SF/2)/PC + GGBS + SF/2)). Addition
to that, the total cementitious content was determined on the basis of the efficiency
of cementitious constituents [21] in achieving the target strength.
The first mix was a control mix with PC specified as CEM I and a binary mix was
CEM II/B-W (65%PC + 35%FA). There were three ternary mixes with various combi-
nations cementitious constituents stated as CEM II/B-M (65%PC + 30%FA + 5%SF),
CEM V/B (30%PC + 40%GGBS + 30%FA) and CEM V/A (40%PC + 30%GGBS + 30%FA).
3.1.3. Assessment of environmental and economic sustainability credentials
(environmental and economical assessments)
In this section, environment and economic sustainability of concretes used in
the study were assessed to demonstrate selected combinations have potential to
reduce ECO2 of concrete and thus beneficial environmental impacts. Table 5 gives
data for ECO2 emissions and prices obtained from materials suppliers and data
sheet produced by relevant trade associations such as Mineral Products Association,
Cementitious Slag Makers Association and the UK Quality Ash Association. Simi-
larly, SF data was obtained from the distributor and manufacturer. In addition to
environmental assessment, economical assessment is considered to be an essential
parameter to evaluate sustainability of concrete mixes.
The ECO2 values of concretes were calculated by multiplying the mass of each
ingredient by its ECO2 value given in Table 5 and adding them together. Total value
was divided by the concrete density and the final result was provided in terms of kg
ECO2/tonne. Although the contribution of admixture is minor, it is also included in
the calculations. These figures include ‘crade to factory gate’ and for simplicity,
emissions associated with the transportation from the place of manufacture of
the material to the concrete plant and concrete plant to the construction site were
neglected in the calculations.
3.1.4. Test procedures
Concrete production and fresh concrete testing was carried out in accordance
with BS EN 12350:2000 Parts 1 and 2. After casting, initial slump was recorded
and slump loss was investigated with 30 min intervals up to 150 min by conducting
compacting factor test. Specimens were covered under polythene sheets for 24 h
after casting under moist condition, prior to testing or exposure to 20 °C water cur-
ing condition until the test age complying with BS EN 12390-2 [23]. Engineering
properties studied were compressive and flexural strengths and drying shrinkage.
Table 1
Physical and mechanical properties of aggregates used.
Properties Aggregates
Sand Gravel
Physical
Unit weight (g/cm3) 1.52 1.51
Apparent density (g/cm3) 2.75 2.60
Water absorption capacity (%) 0.70 1.65
Specific gravity 2.70 2.60
Fineness modulus 2.62 3.31
Mechanical
Aggregate crushing value (% ACV) – 12.4
Aggregate impact value (% AIV) – 6.6
10% Fines (KN) 155
 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405 399

Table 2 Table 5
Chemical properties of cementitious constituents. ECO2 emissions and price of concrete constituents [22].

Compound Percentage (%) Concrete constituents ECO2 (kg CO2/ton) Price (£)
PC FA GGBS SF (in slurry form) PC 913 350 (/ton)
FA 4 150 (/ton)
SiO2 19.77 50.re4 36.76 94.84
GGBS 67 110 (/ton)
Al2O3 4.90 28 13.38 –
SF 14 450 (/ton)
Fe2O3 2.33 9 0.37 –
Sand 5 35 (/ton)
CaO 62.56 6 39.56 0.41
Gravel 5 40 (/ton)
MgO 2.64 1.50 7.33 –
SO3 3.08 0.40 0.08 0.32
K2O 0.66 2.50 0.54 0.88
Na2O 0.17 0.90 0.32 0.26 Table 6
Loss on ignition 1.65 4.50 0.92 1.56 Age at test for the range of properties considered.
Fineness (m2/kg) 372 280 501 22,700
Property Test ages
Density (g/cm3) 3.14 2.28 2.92 1.4
Compressive strength (N/mm2) 1, 3, 7, 28, 56, 90 and 180 days
Compressive cylinder strength (N/mm2) 28, 56 and 90 days
100 mm cubes were cast to investigate compressive strength development of con-
Flexural strength (N/mm2) 7, 28 and 56 days
cretes in conformity with BS EN 12390-3. 150 mm diameter and 300 mm high cyl-
Drying shrinkage (10 6) 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 112 days
inders were additionally cast to determine the cylinder compressive strength.
Initial surface absorption (ml/m2/s  10 2
) 28 days
Flexural strengths were recorded under four-point loading with dimensions of
Carbonation resistance (mm) 13 and 26 weeks
100 mm  100 mm  500 mm in accordance with BS EN 12390-5.
Prisms of 75 mm  75 mm  280 mm were cast and cured under water for the
first 7 days and then stored in drying environment (22 °C and 55% RH) in accor-
dance with BS ISO 1920-8 [24]. Drying shrinkage values were then recorded using 14 days to air dry. Similar to permeation property, samples were cured under con-
strain gauges up to 112 days by monitoring length changes. The main aspects of ditions described by the relevant standards. The top and bottom surfaces and two
durability relevant to the use of binary and ternary cement concretes, including ini- opposite sides of the concrete samples were coated with epoxy based paint to allow
tial surface absorption and carbonation resistance, were investigated. Table 6 shows CO2 to penetrate only through the sides. Cube specimens were stored in a carbon-
test ages for the range of properties considered. There were 3 samples used and ation chamber at standard 20 °C and 60% RH. Samples of thicknesses of not less than
averaged at each test age for the different types of tests. 10 mm were cut with water-cooled diamond saw and carbonation depth was then
measured by spraying phenolphthalein indicator solution (1 g phenolphthalein
3.1.4.1. Permeation property indicator in a solution 70 ml ethanol and 30 ml demineralised water). After the
Pore structure of concrete is one of the indicators to assess the durability of con- indicator solution is sprayed, carbonated sections with pH value of less than 9.2
crete. Initial surface absorption test was carried out following the method described remains colourless whereas in the non-carbonated section, the colour turns pink
in BS 1881-208 [25]. This is to measure the porosity of the concrete by the rate of due to its alkalinity. The carbonation depth indicated by the boundary where the
water penetrating into concrete under a hydrostatic pressure of 200 mm head that concrete turned pink and the surface of the concrete. Three or four readings from
flows into capillary suction through a specific known area. The contact area was each side were recorded and averaged in order to determine the carbonation depth.
sealed to avoid any leakage during the test. Assessment of the volume flow is The depths behind the coarser aggregates were ignored.
obtained by the measurement of the length of flow along a capillary tube of known
dimension. 150 mm cube samples were cast and cured in 20 °C water for 28 days
followed by pre-conditioning through oven drying at 105 °C prior to test. It should 4. Sustainability assessment
be noted that curing process conducted for this test is purely to investigate the
porosity of concrete when cured under specific conditions according to relevant 4.1. The ECO2 emissions (environmental assessment)
standards.

3.1.4.2. Carbonation
Carbonation depths were measured on 100 mm concrete cubes exposed to an
enriched 4% CO2 environment [26] for up to 26 weeks. Once again, samples were
cured in 20 °C water for 28 days and stored in ambient conditions for at least
The ECO2 emission values are presented in Fig. 1(a). The results
are in agreement with the previous studies [7,8] that the concrete
ECO2 emissions increase as the concrete design strength increase.
The results also demonstrated that ECO2 reduction in the blended

Table 3
Mix proportions for 28-day 40 N/mm2 design strength concrete mixes.

Cements Mix proportions (kg/m3) Free water/cement ratio

Water Cementitious constituent Aggregates
PC FA GGBS SF Gravel Sand
CEM I 195 385 – – – 1120 645 0.51
CEM II/B-W 175 290 155 – – 1120 630 0.39
CEM II/B-M 155 235 110 – 40 1120 710 0.48
CEM V/B 170 130 130 170 – 1135 640 0.40
CEM V/A 170 170 125 125 – 1135 650 0.41

Table 4
Mix proportions for 28-day 50 N/mm2 design strength concrete mixes.

Cements Mix proportions (kg/m3) Free water/cement ratio

Water Cementitious constituent Aggregates
PC FA GGBS SF Gravel Sand
CEM I 195 445 – – – 1085 620 0.41
CEM II/B-W 175 340 185 – – 1085 585 0.33
CEM II/B-M 155 260 120 – 40 1085 690 0.44
CEM V/B 170 145 145 190 – 1085 670 0.35
CEM V/A 170 180 135 135 – 1085 670 0.39
400 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405
cements is proportional to the substituted amount of PC by the
additional cementitious constituents regardless of total cementi-
tious content for a given design strength. CEM I concretes showed
the highest ECO2 emissions amongst all concrete mixes due to PC
has higher ECO2 emissions. Also, CEM I cement concretes provided
higher ECO2 emissions comparing to existing finding. The ECO2
emissions of CEM II and CEM V cement concretes ranged between
60 kg ECO2/tonne to 115 kg ECO2/tonne and 65 kg ECO2/tonne to
135 kg ECO2/tonne for 40 and 50 N/mm2 design strengths respec-
tively. Within all composite cement concretes, binary cement
CEM II/B-W indicated the lowest reduction by roughly 25%. The
ECO2 emissions were cut down approximately by 40% and 45%
for CEM II/B-M and CEM V/A composite cement concretes
respectively.
From the results, it is clear that PC is the main contributor of the
concrete‘s environmental emissions. However, SF is believed to be
an effective additional cementitious constituent in improving the
environmental performance of concrete. Its incorporation provides
improved strength development due to its highly reactive pozzola-
nic structure. Thus, this reduces the total cementitious content in
other words PC content for a given strength. Slow strength gain
of FA due to slow pozzolanic reaction when used in binary system
leads to increase total cementitious content in order to achieve
design strength. This requires more PC to trigger pozzolanic reac-
tion and increases the ECO2 emissions even though FA has the low-
est emissions amongst all additional cementitious constituents. In
addition, GGBS is also considered to be effective additional cemen-
titious constituent as it improves the engineering performance of
concrete due to its similar chemical composition as PC, and reduces
the need for PC. Considering the morphological characteristics of
additional cementitious constituents, ternary blend cement con-
cretes was observed to be more effective approach then binary
blend cement concretes in reducing the ECO2 emissions for a given
design strength.
4.2. Economical assessment
Economical assessment of developed concretes is represented
in Fig. 1(b). Blended cement concretes were observed to be more
cost efficient comparing to control mix. Similar trend as environ-
mental performance was monitored for both concrete classes as
the cost of concretes is proportional to the substituted amount of
PC by the additional cementitious constituents even though SF
has the highest price amongst cementitious materials. This can
be attributed to the local availability of both FA and GGBS in the
UK. CEM II/B-W cement concretes with higher PC content amongst
binary and ternary blended cement concretes had lead to higher
(a) 200
160
kg ECO 2 /tonne
120
80
40
0 0
40 50
28-day design strength (N/mm2)
Fig. 1. (a) ECO2 emissions and (b) cost of concretes.
cost between cementitious constituents incorporated concretes.
Given the highest total cementitious content of all concretes,
CEM V/B cement concretes have been the most cost efficient. It is
also in line with the industry‘s sustainability approach to encour-
age suppliers to use as much as additional cementitious constitu-
ents in concrete production [5].
5. Results and discussion
5.1. Fresh properties
The concretes mixes were designed for to achieve the workabil-
ity class of S3, 60–180 mm in accordance with BS EN 206-1 [27].
Slump results are given in Table 7. In order to assess the effect of
the main cementitious constituents on retention of workability
compacting factor measurements were made at 30 min up to
150 min after mixing and the results obtained are shown in
Fig. 2(a) and (b). It is clear that CF values over time were affected
by the total cementitious content. Even though, CEM II/B-M
cement 50 N/mm2 design strength concrete with higher w/c con-
tent had reduced CF value over time. This is believed to be due
to SF particles with high surface area increases adsorption which
diminishes fluidity of the concrete [28]. It is noteworthy to men-
tion that increasing FA content, results in dramatic workability loss
over time for all concretes [16]. This relationship between FA and
workability loss can be attributed to the presence of FA increased
viscous characteristics of binary and ternary cement concretes
[29]. Similar trend was observed for ternary blend CEM V cement
concretes that FA presence had lead to significant workability loss
even though smooth and dense texture of GGBS absorb less water
over time [30].
5.2. Strength properties
Compressive and flexural strengths are of great importance as
these properties are utilised to specify structural concrete mem-
bers within design parameters. From the structural point of view,
the early strength development may be of importance to fast-track
construction when early removal of formwork is necessary since
long term strength is not critical as the structural load is applied
at later ages. In respect to that, early strength development is con-
sidered to be age of 1–7 days, whilst post 28-day strength develop-
ment is considered from the age of 56–180 days. In addition to
these, relationship between 28-day cube and cylinder and 28-day
cube and flexural strengths are also presented to monitor the suit-
ability of concretes to be used for structural purposes.
(b)100 CEM I
CEM II/B-W
80 CEM II/B-W
CEM V/B
60 CEM V/A
£ /tonne
40
20
40 50
28-day design strength (N/mm 2)
 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405 401

Table 7
Slump test results.
(a) 80 CEM I

Cube strength (N/mm 2 )

70 CEM II/B-W
Concrete Slump test (mm) CEM II/B-M
produced using 60
40 N/mm2 28-day design 50 N/mm2 28-day design CEM V/B
50 CEM V/A
strength concretes strength concretes
40
CEM I 125 100
30
CEM II/B-W 130 120
CEM II/B-M 120 115 20
CEM V/B 135 145 10
CEM V/A 150 140 0
3 7 28 56 90 180
Test age (days)
5.2.1. Compressive cube strength
The 28-day compressive cube strength results over time of con- (b) 80 CEM I

70 CEM II/B-W

Cube strength (N/mm 2 )

cretes used are given in Figs. 3(a) and 5(b) respectively. In binary
CEM II/B-M
and ternary cement concretes, it was observed that the strength 60
CEM V/B
development at early ages (67 days) decreases as the PC content 50
CEM V/A
decreases. This is believed to be due to substituting PC with addi-
40
tional cementitious constituents has reduced available calcium
30
oxide (CaO) content as the strength of the concrete is strongly
related with the hydrated cement paste. This is also coherent with 20
Erdem and Kirca [16] that additional cementitious constituents 10
have lower surface area and do not participate in strength develop- 0
ment at early ages. It is obvious in ternary blended CEM V cement 3 7 28 56 90 180
concretes that early strengths were significantly reduced with Test age (days)
increasing cementitious content. This is due to the dilution effect
of both FA and GGBS. However, it was also reported earlier that Fig. 3. Compressive cube strength development of (a) 40 N/mm2 and (b) 50 N/mm2
FA presence reduces the early strength due to both chemical reac- design strength concretes.

tion between FA with Portlandite and pozzolanic reaction between

FA and GGBS and cementitious system take place slowly
[15,16,31]. Due to the highest PC and total cementitious contents,
CEM II/B-W cement concretes achieved higher early strengths
comparing to CEM V cement concretes but lower in comparison
to control mix, CEM I cement concretes.
Both binary and ternary cement concretes were seen to have
either comparable or higher strength results after 28 days compar-
ing to conventional concretes. This was more apparent as the cur-
ing age increased. Previous reported results may support this
finding [15,32] that the contribution of these cementitious constit-
uents to pozzolanic reaction takes place after 28 days. It was also
observed that increasing total cementitious content gives higher
strength development over time apart from CEM II/B-M cement
concretes. The finer particles of additional cementitious constitu-
ents form a dense structure by filling the voids between cement
grains that reacts with calcium hydroxide (CH) and forms extra cal-
cium–silica–hydrate (C–S–H) gel and led to further increase in the
strength at longer ages, as stated by Sabet et al. [33] and Shannaq
[34]. For both design strength concretes tested, binary blend CEM
II/B-W with the highest total CM contents demonstrated signifi-
cant strength gain at post 28-days. In addition, CEM II/B-M cement
concretes with the lowest cementitious contents achieved compa-
rable or slightly improved results as control concretes at all ages.
This is believed to be due to both physical and chemical character-
istics of SF. ‘‘Microfiller effect’’ of SF particles with their extreme
fineness densifies the concrete matrix then converts CH to C–S–H

(a) 1 (b) 1 CEM I

CEM II/B-W
CEM II/B-M
0.9 0.9
CEM V/B
Compacng factor

CEM V/A

0.8 0.8

0.7 0.7

0.6 0.6
0 30 60 90 120 150 0 30 60 90 120 150
Time (minutes) Time (minutes)

Fig. 2. Loss of workability of (a) 40 N/mm2 and (b) 50 N/mm2 28-day design strength concretes.
402 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405

through pozzolanic reaction between amorphous silica of SF parti- 45 CEM I

Cylinder strength (N/mm 2 )

cles and CH even though with the lowest cementitious contents CEM II/B-W
CEM II/B-M
[16,32,35]. 40 CEM V/B
CEM V/A
5.2.2. Compressive cylinder strength 35
28 days compressive cylinder strengths results of concretes are
seen in Fig. 4(a) and (b). In general, CEM II and CEM V cement con- 30
cretes have achieved comparable and improved results as CEM I Coefficient of correlaon = 0.96
cement concretes. Similar to cube strength results, CEM II cement
25
concretes performed higher cylinder strengths at post 28-day. Ter- 40 50 60
nary system cement concretes strength results showed compara- 28-day cube strength (N/mm2)
ble results comparing to conventional concretes. Increasing
cementitious content was observed to compensate strength at Fig. 5. Relationship between compressive and 28-day cube strength.
longer ages. The relationship between cylinder and 28-day cube
strength in Fig. 5 showed a strong correlation as shown graphically
in Fig. 5. Even though there is a strong correlation between cylin- 8
(a) CEM I

Flexural strength (N/mm2)

der and 28-day cube strength results, compressive cylinder 7 CEM II/B-W
strength results presented were observed to perform lower 6 CEM II/B-M
strengths as far as BS EN 206 factor of 0.8 (fcyl/fcube) is concerned. CEM V/B
5 CEM V/A
4
5.2.3. Flexural strength 3
Flexural strength results of concretes studied at given ages can
2
be seen in Fig. 6(a) and (b). It can be seen from the results that CEM
1
I cement concretes achieved higher early strength. Lower early
strength results of CEM II and CEM V cement concretes were 0
7 28 56
observed to be compensated at other test ages (28 and 56 days)
Test age (days)
with the contribution of pozzolanic reactions. The relationship
between flexural strength and 28-day cube strength shown in
Fig. 7 represents a good correlation. It can be concluded that 8 CEM I
(b)
Flexural strength (N/mm2)

CEM II/B-W
CEM II and CEM V cement concretes can be used as structural 7
CEM II/B-M
concrete members. 6 CEM V/B
5 CEM V/A

5.3. Drying shrinkage 4

3
Fig. 8(a) and (b) represents the development of drying shrink- 2
age over time for concrete mixes tested. Earlier researchers have 1
found that FA use as cement constituent is known to reduce the 0
drying shrinkage of concrete [15,21,36]. Additionally, GGBS 7 28 56
Test age (days)
50 CEM I Fig. 6. Flexural strength development of (a) 40 N/mm2 and (b) 50 N/mm2 design
Cylinder strength (N/mm2 )

(a) CEM II/B-W strength concretes.

40 CEM II/B-M
CEM V/B
30 CEM V/A
8 CEM I
Flexural strength (N/mm2 )

20 CEM II/B-W
CEM II/B-M
7 CEM V/B
10
CEM V/A

0 6
28 56 90
Test age (days) 5
Coefficient of correlaon = 0.83
50 CEM I
Cylinder strength (N/mm2 )

(b) CEM II/B-W 4

40 CEM II/B-M 40 50 60
CEM V/B 28-day cube strength (N/mm2 )
30 CEM V/A
Fig. 7. Relationship between flexural strength and 28-day cube strength.
20

10
inclusion is observed to provide similar or comparable results as
0 conventional concrete [29] and SF use is known to increase drying
28 56 90
shrinkage at early ages [12,37]. Results were generally in agree-
Test age (days)
ment with these previous findings.
Fig. 4. Compressive cylinder strength development of (a) 40 N/mm2 and (b) 50 N/ It is well known that water content is the major contributor to
mm2 design strength concretes. drying shrinkage. The results have revealed that binary and ternary
 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405 403

(a) 1000 (b) CEM I

900
Cracking shrinkage CEM II/B-W
800

Shrinkage (10 -6 )
700 CEM II/B-M

600 CEM V/B

500
CEM V/A
400
300
200
100
0
0 28 56 84 112 0 28 56 84 112
Duraon of exposure to drying (days) Duraon of exposure to drying (days)

Fig. 8. Drying shrinkage values of (a) 40 N/mm2 and (b) 50 N/mm2 design strength concretes.

Table 8
ISAT-10 and N value results of concrete mixes.

28-Day design strength (N/mm2) Cement w/c Ratio ISAT-10 (ml/m2/s)  10 2

N-value (10 2
)
40 CEM I 0.51 42.8 57.9
CEM II/B-W 0.39 12.3 13.3
CEM II/B-M 0.48 23.9 32
CEM V/B 0.40 18.6 23.5
CEM V/A 0.41 19.7 26.1
50 CEM I 0.41 44.4 60.2
CEM II/B-W 0.33 23.4 28.4
CEM II/B-M 0.44 18.7 20.3
CEM V/B 0.35 21.4 27.4
CEM V/A 0.39 23.5 29.4

cement concretes developed early drying shrinkage but reduced
drying shrinkage development over time as expected due to their
lower water content. 40 N/mm2 design strength CEM II/B-W cement
concrete, exceptionally, demonstrated higher drying shrinkage over
time which this is in contrast with the previous findings [15,21,37].
Reducing water content may eliminate the dilution effect of FA in
this concrete mix [15,21]. Apart from this, the results may support
the trend previously stated by Qiang et al. [38] that reducing w/c
ratio reduces the shrinkage development.
The inclusion of SF resulted in early shrinkage development for
CEM II/B-M cement concretes. This can be attributed to SF presence
increases the fine pores in the matrix that leads to water loss
[12,37]. FA combination with SF in ternary blend cement concretes
was seen to compensate adverse effects of SF on drying shrinkage
development at further ages. Similar finding was also noted by
Guneyisi et al. [37]. FA and GGBS containing CEM V cement con-
cretes demonstrated lower shrinkage development amongst all
concretes. Guneyisi et al. [37] also stated the fact that FA and GGBS
contribution in ternary blend cement concretes results in reduced
drying shrinkage at longer terms.
5.4. Initial surface absorption test
The ISA test results of all concrete mixes after ten minutes
(ISAT-10) and N-value that indicates rate of decay in the absorption
with time results are given in Table 8. ISAT-10 and N-value results
indicated that CEM II and CEM V cement concretes can reduce
porosity of concrete dramatically for the same design strength.
The general trend observed show that ISAT-10 and N-values are
directly related with w/c ratio. The ISAT results decreased signifi-
cantly as the w/c ratio decreased, except for CEM II/B-M cement
concretes. Although CEM II/B-M cement concretes have higher
w/c ratios, this could be due to the presence of SF with its extreme
fineness improved the pore structure. It can be concluded that
N-value results showed similar trends to the ISAT-10 values. These
improvements in pore structure with lower w/c ratio concretes can
be attributed to the finer characteristics of additional cementitious
constituents fill pore structure that result in dense microstructure.
These results are in agreement with those reported earlier [1,36].
5.5. Carbonation
The results of carbonation depth of both design strength con-
cretes are given in Fig. 9(a) and (b). It can be seen from the results
that carbonation depth increases as the exposure period increases.
It is noteworthy to mention that developed concretes were
designed with different w/c ratios and various PC, additional
cementitious constituents and total cementitious contents.
The results have showed that ternary blend cement concretes
have resulted in lower resistance to carbonation. However, there
was no relation between 26 weeks carbonation depth and 28-day
cube strength results as shown in Fig. 10. In addition, results have
also indicated in Fig. 11 that carbonation depth increases notice-
ably as the PC content decreases except CEM II/B-W cement con-
cretes. These results are in agreement with those reported in
previous works [16,31,38,39]. There is no significant difference
monitored between the control mix and binary blend CEM II/B-
W concretes at all ages. This superior performance of binary mix
can be explained by reduced w/c ratio leads in improved pore
structure. This is in agreement with Atis [40] and Tangtermsirikul
et al. [41] that FA presence with lower w/c ratio leads to lower or
comparable results. Also, increasing total cementitious content
resulted in more densified pore structure leads reduction in the
carbonation depth. This phenomenon can be also supported by
the longer age compressive cube strength test results of CEM
II/B-W concretes as higher strength developments were recorded
404 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405

(a) 12 (b) CEM I

10 CEM II/B-W

Carbonaon depth (mm)

CEM II/B-M
8
CEM V/B

6 CEM V/A

0
0 10 20 30 0 10 20 30
Exposure duraon (weeks) Exposure duraon (weeks)

Fig. 9. Carbonation depths of (a) 40 N/mm2 and (b) 50 N/mm2 design strength concretes.

cement concretes. Therefore, it can be concluded that resistance

12 CEM I
Coefficient of correlaon = 0.32 to carbonation in ternary system cement concretes was influenced
Carbonaon depth (mm)

CEM II/B-W
CEM II/B-M
by the amount of pozzolanic materials regardless w/c ratio. The
10 effect of w/c on carbonation resistance was more apparent in bin-
CEM V/B
CEM V/A ary system concrete. This supports the work by Quiang et al. [38]
8 that resistance to carbonation increases as the w/c ratio decreases.

6 6. Conclusions

4 The results obtained in this research could encourage the

40 50 60
concrete industry to use CEM II and CEM V cement in concrete
28-day cube strength (N/mm 2 ) production with technical information on the overall perfor-
mance of concrete including environmental, economical, engi-
Fig. 10. Relationship between carbonation depth and 28-day cube strength.
neering and durability properties. In this respect, CEM II and
CEM V cement concrete application may well reduce the envi-
ronmental impact (ECO2). The main conclusions could be drawn
12 40 MPa are stated below:
Carbonaon depth (mm)

10
8 a given design strength regardless of the increased cementi-
6 cretes were significantly reduced with the contribution of
4 noticed for the cost analysis.
100 150 200 250 300
PC content (kg)
Fig. 11. Relationship between carbonation depth and PC content.
amongst all mixes due to further C–S–H formation has lead to
improved pore structure [38].
On the other hand, there has been a decrease in resistance to
carbonation between control mix and ternary blend composite
cement concretes results particularly with the increased total
cementitious content. This can be explained by the presence of
higher amount of CH in PC composition was significantly reduced
with the substituted materials SF, FA and GGBS. This supports the
phenomenon resistance to carbonation is affected by the amount
of pozzolanic mineral materials used [38,41,42]. Akcaozoglu and
Atis [36] also stated that incorporation of both FA and GGBS
increases the carbonation depth noticeably. This is explained by
the presence of CH in the pore structure is consumed by the poz-
zolanic reaction between portlandite and FA that leads to reduc-
tion in the pH value [15,39]. On the other hand, it was stated by
Quiang et al. [38] that carbonation depth increases as slag content
increases. Thus, CEM V/B composite cement concretes have lower
resistance to carbonation comparing to CEM V/A composite
50 MPa
– It was observed that CEM II and CEM V cement concretes
have a potential to reduce the ECO2 emissions and cost for
tious content. As expected, ECO2 emissions of these con-
additional cementitious constituents. Similar trend was
350 400 450 500 – Reported results show that CEM II and CEM V cement con-
cretes have lead higher loss of workability over time, partic-
ularly with the increased the additional cementitious
constituents content. In addition, it was observed that loss
of workability values tend to increase sharply with the
increasing FA content in CEM II and CEM V concretes.
– The results tend to indicate that CEM II and CEM V cement
concretes had lower strength development at early ages
(<7 days) comparing to PC concretes. However, the incorpo-
ration of additional cementitious constituents may improve
the strength development at post 28-days. Also, flexural
and 28-day cube strengths demonstrated similar good corre-
lation in general. However, it was observed that further
investigation is required on the compressive cylinder
strength of CEM II and CEM V cement concretes. Therefore,
it can be concluded that CEM II and CEM V cement concretes
could be potentially used in structural concrete applications.
– The early age (7 days) shrinkage development was moni-
tored by CEM II and CEM V cement concretes as expected.
Nevertheless, these concretes were monitored to enhance
shrinkage characteristics at later ages except 40 N/mm2
design strength CEM/B-W cement concrete due to their
lower water content.
 M. Limbachiya et al. / Construction and Building Materials 71 (2014) 397–405
– Test examining durability including initial surface absorp-
tion and carbonation showed that CEM II and CEM V cement
concretes have superior permeation property but lower
resistance to carbonation comparing to conventional CEM I
cement concretes when adequately cured. Additional
cementitious constituents inclusion lowers the w/c ratios
which improves the pore structure and increases imperme-
ability of the concrete considerably. There is a strong rela-
tionship between w/c ratio and initial surface absorption
results. The lower the w/c ratio, the lower ISAT-10 results
was noted except CEM II/B-M cement concretes. It was also
monitored that rate of decay is proportional to the imperme-
ability of concrete. In addition, carbonation depth was
observed to increase as the exposure period increases. It is
noteworthy to mention that, resistance to carbonation
decreases as the PC content in CEM II and CEM V cement con-
cretes decreases.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge Hanson UK, Elkem AS
and Grace Construction Products Ltd. for providing the materials
for the presented work.
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