Performance of Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete Masonry Blocks Subjected to Accelerated Carbonation Curing

Joud Hwalla, Mahra Al-Mazrouei, Khalood Al-Karbi, Afraa Al-Hebsi, Mariam Al-Ameri, Fatima Al-Hadrami and Hilal El-Hassan ()
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Joud Hwalla: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Mahra Al-Mazrouei: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Khalood Al-Karbi: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Afraa Al-Hebsi: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Mariam Al-Ameri: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Fatima Al-Hadrami: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Hilal El-Hassan: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Al Ain Campus, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 19, 1-20

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of accelerated carbonation curing on the carbon sequestration potential, performance, and microstructure of alkali-activated slag mixes representing concrete masonry blocks (CMBs). The carbonation curing process parameters varied, including initial curing duration, carbonation curing duration, and carbonation pressure. Research findings showed that a maximum CO 2 uptake of 12.8%, by binder mass, was attained upon exposing concrete to 4 h initial curing and 20 h carbonation curing at a pressure of 5 bars. The compressive strength and water absorption capacity improved with longer initial and carbonation curing durations and higher pressure. Upon subjecting to salt attack, the mass and strength of 28-day concrete samples increased, owing to the formation of Friedel’s salt and Halite. All mixes could be used as non-load-bearing CMB, with a 1-day strength greater than 4.1 MPa. Based on the global warming potential index, the carbon footprint of carbonation-cured, alkali-activated slag concrete masonry units was up to 46% lower than non-carbonation-cured counterparts. Research findings offer valuable information on the production of carbonation-cured, cement-free concrete masonry blocks to replenish natural resources, recycle industrial waste, and mitigate CO 2 emissions.

Keywords: alkali activation; masonry; carbonation; slag; salt attack; microstructure; global warming potential (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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