Tag Archives: GGBFS

Current Situation of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) in Canada

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The report details the current situation of supplementary cementing materials -SCMs- in Canada specifically in terms of production cost availability usage potential areas for increasing usage local barriers and relevant guidelines and specifications. The purpose of the study is to determine a strategy to increase the use of SCMs in Canada.

The data show that approximately 524 000 347 000 and 37 000 tonnes of fly ash Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag -GGBFS- and silica fume were used in cement and concrete applications in 2001. These amounts represent 11 90 and 185% of the quantity produced respectively. Thus fly ash appears to be the only material that is underused and that represents a potential for increased use of SCMs in Canada.

The investigation also shows that there are policy technical and economic barriers to the increased use of SCMs in Canada. The report suggests several solutions to overcome these barriers.

Includes an extensive list of tables.

Technical Report Author: Nabil Bouzoubaa, Benoit Fournier

The Role of Superplasticizers in the Development of Environmentally-Friendly Concrete

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Since their introduction in the early 60’s superplasticizers have become an essential component of concrete. By reducing the amount of water in concrete superplasticizers have contributed to a significant reduction in its porosity and to a concomitant increase in its compressive strength and durability. These chemical admixtures have also been at the forefront of the use of mineral admixtures such as silica fume fly ash and blast-furnace slags in high performance concrete. By making possible the use of these industrial by-products as a partial replacement of cement superplasticizers are also helping to reduce the emission of CO2 in the atmosphere a key issue in several industrialized countries.

This paper reviews some important aspects related to the use of superplasticizers in concrete. More precisely it concentrates on how these polymers contribute to sustainable development by favoring the use of mineral admixtures in concrete and by increasing the durability of concrete structures.

Technical Report Author: Monique Page, Nelu Spiratos

Use of Fly Ash or Slag in Concrete: Proposed PWGSC Guidelines

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In support of the Canadian Government’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions Public Works and Government Services Canada -PWGSC- is developing guidelines for the use of fly ash or ground granulated blast-furnace slag in concrete. The use of these materials in partial replacement of cement in concrete have numerous benefits: reduced greenhouse gas emissions environmentally-friendly concrete with excellent long-term strength and durability characteristics reduced energy consumption and lessened pressure on natural resources. The paper gives an overview of the proposed PWGSC guidelines.

Technical Report Author: Moe Cheung, Simon Foo