Production of Portland cement is responsible for about seven percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The pressure to make the production of concrete more sustainable, or "greener", is considerable and increasing. This requires a wholesale shift in processes, materials and methods in the concrete industry. Pure Portland cement will need to be replaced by more complex binary, tertiary or even quaternary binders, including other types of cementitious materials. We can expect an increasing use of high performance concrete, primarily because of its high sustainability and durability. Much more attention will have to be paid to the proper curing of the concrete if we want to improve its life expectancy. Presenting the latest advances in the science of concrete this book focuses particularly on sustainability, durability, and economy. It explores the potential for increased sustainability in concrete from the initial mixing right through to its behaviour in complex structures exposed to different types of loads and aggressive environments.

Linking theory to practice, this book provides a better fundamental understanding of Portland cement and hydraulic binders which is necessary to make better concrete. It has been clearly demonstrated that concrete durability is closely linked to its water/binder ratio and proper curing during the first week after casting. In this rigorously presented work, Pierre-Claude Aitcin explains the complexity of the hydration reaction and how to make, use and cure durable and sustainable concrete. This book also details the problems with Portland cement composition at present and outlines the concept of an ideal hydraulic binder which is technically and ecologically efficient, as well as being long-lasting and robust. Binders for Durable and Sustainable Concrete is a practical and innovative reference text which will be particularly relevant to engineers and chemists working in the Portland cement, concrete and admixture industries. This book will also be of interest to academics and graduate-level students in Civil Engineering departments who specialize in Portland cement and concrete technology.

Production of Portland cement is responsible for about seven percent of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The pressure to make the production of concrete more sustainable, or "greener," is considerable and increasing. This requires a wholesale shift in processes, materials and methods in the concrete industry. Pure Portland cement will need to be replaced by more complex binary, tertiary or even quaternary binders, including other types of cementitious materials. We can expect an increasing use of high performance concrete, primarily because of its high sustainability and durability. Much more attention will have to be paid to the proper curing of the concrete if we want to improve its life expectancy.

Presenting the latest advances in the science of concrete this book focuses particularly on sustainability, durability, and economy. It explores the potential for increased sustainability in concrete from the initial mixing right through to its behaviour in complex structures exposed to different types of loads and aggressive environments.

Modern hydraulic binders can be used effectively with Portland cement and supplementary cementitious materials to produce durable concrete. They also provide a means of recycling by-products from other industries and of decreasing the emission of greenhouse gases.
The first binders were discovered in ancient times when it was observed that new pozzolans mixed with lime could harden under water; and in the middle of the nineteen century the first artificial hydraulic binder, Portland cement, was discovered. By modifying the four basic oxides in the limestone and clay mix used in the production of Portland cement it is possible to modify significantly the practical properties of the clinker, and consequently the performance of the fresh and hardened concrete in which it is used.
Chemical admixtures can be used to disperse cement particles without the use of extra water, and so make concrete which is highly resistant to penetration by aggressive agents and of high durability and strength. Supplementary cementitious materials or fillers can be mixed with Portland cement to produce modern hydraulic binders and improve the ecological performance of concrete. The hydration process of a modern hydraulic binder is becoming quite complex because it involves the chemical reactivity of Portland cement clinker, of supplementary cementitious materials and of different types of admixtures. This has already resulted in great technological achievements such as high-performance concrete, self leveling concrete, confined concrete, high-performance roller compacted concrete, fiber reinforced concrete, and reactive powder concrete.

A complete review of the fast-developing topic of high performance concrete (HPC) by one of the leading researchers in the field. It covers all aspects of HPC from materials, properties and technology, to construction and testing. The book will be valuable for all concrete technologists and construction engineers wishing to take advantage of the remarkable properties of the material.

Science and Technology of Concrete Admixtures presents admixtures from both a theoretical and practical point-of-view. The authors emphasize key concepts that can be used to better understand the working mechanisms of these products by presenting a concise overview on the fundamental behavior of Portland cement and hydraulic binders as well as their chemical admixtures, also discussing recent effects in concrete in terms of rheology, mechanics, durability, and sustainability, but never forgetting the fundamental role played by the water/binder ratio and proper curing in concrete technology. Part One presents basic knowledge on Portland cement and concrete, while Part Two deals with the chemical and physical background needed to better understand what admixtures are chemically, and through which mechanism they modify the properties of the fresh and hardened concrete. Subsequent sections present discussions on admixtures technology and two particular types of concrete, self-consolidating and ultra-high strength concretes, with final remarks on their future.