Analysis of alternative sustainable approach to concrete mixture design

Abstract

Sustainability is a growing area of concern, especially amid the concrete industry. Concrete, especially traditional concrete, which contains Portland cement, is extremely harmful to the environment producing mass amounts of carbon dioxide. Additionally, the harvesting of these materials, like lime, cause significant damage to waterways and the ecosystem. For years, studies have found numerous, more sustainable, alternatives that are structurally equivalent to traditional concrete. The Connecticut Department of Transportation does allow for the use of alternative “green” concretes as long as the mix designs meet the required specifications. Nevertheless, heavy highway construction seems reluctant to dabble with new substances and continues to falls back on the use of fly ash concrete. This solution, however, is not perfect, as fly ash is a finite material. By conducting a nationwide survey to the Departments of Transportation (DOT), the reliance on fly ash was evident. It was also found that the biggest concerns for DOTs would be the cost and availability of the material. This study investigates presently accepted alternative concrete mixture designs and also explores the solutions of volcanic ash concrete and ground glass concrete. Based off the results of the survey and practicality, this study suggests the incorporation of ground glass concrete for heavy highway construction. This solution provides the needed strength requirements per DOT specs and is within the same price-range as fly ash concrete.