Designing durable low-carbon concrete: A systematic performance based approach
File(s)
Author(s)
Gao, Meng
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Due to the extensive landscape of low-carbon concrete that has been or can be developed, traditional empirical methods are impractical for a comprehensive assessment of concrete
performance. This thesis introduces a novel framework and algorithm for designing durable, low-carbon concrete, providing guidance for comprehensive performance-based
design.
A systematic framework for rapidly assessing the durability and environmental performance of concrete materials is developed, adhering to the principle of parsimony
in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, being as complex as necessary, but as simple as possible. Rather than creating overly complex models for specific concrete
types, this framework conceptualizes deterioration mechanisms through streamlined impact pathways. A Python-based algorithm, “Panoramix,” implements the framework
and serves as a platform for durability characterization models. In its current version (1.0), the algorithm includes a freeze-thaw resistance prediction model, exemplifying the
integration of other durability predictive models. Monte Carlo-based simulation tools are also incorporated, enabling exploration of the concrete’s mix design space from a
probabilistic rather than traditional deterministic perspective.
Two case studies were conducted to demonstrate the application of the Panoramix algorithm on concrete with CEM I-V. While freeze-thaw resistance is known to be
influenced by mixture-level parameters like air content and water-cement ratio, the results reveal that raw material-level factors, such as the chemical composition and
reactivity of clinker and alternative binders, are also significant. These studies show the potential to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint by optimizing supplementary
cementitious materials (SCMs) for chemical composition. These freeze-thaw case studies highlight the adaptability of the proposed durability assessment framework, illustrating
its potential to address a full range of durability issues and to support a more comprehensive, practical approach to concrete durability evaluation.
performance. This thesis introduces a novel framework and algorithm for designing durable, low-carbon concrete, providing guidance for comprehensive performance-based
design.
A systematic framework for rapidly assessing the durability and environmental performance of concrete materials is developed, adhering to the principle of parsimony
in life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, being as complex as necessary, but as simple as possible. Rather than creating overly complex models for specific concrete
types, this framework conceptualizes deterioration mechanisms through streamlined impact pathways. A Python-based algorithm, “Panoramix,” implements the framework
and serves as a platform for durability characterization models. In its current version (1.0), the algorithm includes a freeze-thaw resistance prediction model, exemplifying the
integration of other durability predictive models. Monte Carlo-based simulation tools are also incorporated, enabling exploration of the concrete’s mix design space from a
probabilistic rather than traditional deterministic perspective.
Two case studies were conducted to demonstrate the application of the Panoramix algorithm on concrete with CEM I-V. While freeze-thaw resistance is known to be
influenced by mixture-level parameters like air content and water-cement ratio, the results reveal that raw material-level factors, such as the chemical composition and
reactivity of clinker and alternative binders, are also significant. These studies show the potential to reduce concrete’s carbon footprint by optimizing supplementary
cementitious materials (SCMs) for chemical composition. These freeze-thaw case studies highlight the adaptability of the proposed durability assessment framework, illustrating
its potential to address a full range of durability issues and to support a more comprehensive, practical approach to concrete durability evaluation.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2024-11-01
Date Awarded
01/05/2025
Advisor
Myers, Rupert
Wong, Hong
Sponsor
Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA)
Imperial College London
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Publisher Department
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)