Behind the Scenes: A Look at our Investigative Work

The chemical compositions of the materials (raw and sampled from carbonated specimens at different depths) were analysed by means of the following techniques:

1. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM); 

2. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF);

3. X-ray Diffraction (XRD);

4. Particle Size Distribution (PSD);

5. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA);

6. Fourier-Transform Infrared Analyses (FTIR);

7. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

The rheological properties and workability of the fresh concrete were analysed using established methods including:

1. Viskomat Flow;

2. Marsh Cone Test;

3. Table test.

Using industrial waste materials as binders, conventional concrete pavement blocks were produced and tested by the standard:

1. Visual inspection;

2. Slip/skid resistance;

3. Splitting tensile strength;

4. Compressive strength;

5. Abrasion resistance;

6. Water absorption;

7. Thermal conductivity;

8. Freeze/thaw resistance.

The performance of alkali-activated concrete made with industrial waste materials as binders is being enhanced through optimising aspects such as:

1. Density, workability, and water content;

2. Alkaline solution components concentrations;

3. Carbonation curing conditions (i.e. CO2 percentage, relative humidity, pressure, temperature, and curing duration).

The CO2 diffusivity in mortar specimens with alkali-activated binders, including fly ash, municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, and waste glass rejects was investigated through the following steps:

1. Modelling of CO2 diffusivity in alkali-activated mortar specimens using ABAQUS;

2. Development of detailed finite element models and presented CO2 profiles for various diffusivity coefficients;

3. Identification of future research paths for validation, aiming to optimise material performance through parametric studies and develop coupled diffusivity-mechanical models for precast elements.