Applicability of Concrete Containing High-Volume Mineral Admixtures to Non-Reinforced Concrete Block in Port and Calculation of Avoided CO₂ Emissions

Abstract

This paper deals with the applicability of low-carbon concrete with high-volume mineral admixtures to non-reinforced blocks in ports, mainly from the perspective of strength development. Also, the applicability of low-carbon, heavy-weight concrete incorporating high-volume copper slag fine aggregate (CUS) was investigated. The CO₂ emissions during the construction in the case that low-carbon concretes are applied to wave-dissipating blocks of a port breakwater were then calculated. The lower water-to-binder ratio required for the low-carbon concretes results in a beneficial effect for fresh properties in the case high-volume CUS is incorporated. When the low-carbon heavy-weight concretes are applied to the wave-dissipating block of a breakwater, it is possible to select a smaller block to keep the required weight of the block. Consequently, although the low-carbon heavy-weight concretes require a lower water-to-binder ratio to maintain their strength, the CO₂ emissions associated with the material production can be possibly reduced.