Durable Aluminium Reinforced Environmentally-friendly Concrete Construction – DARE2C

Abstract

A new concept is described for low pH concrete that can allow reinforcement with aluminium metal rods or fibres. In regular concrete the high pH will after short while lead to substantial amounts of hydrogen gas evolution. However, by replacing cement partially by an active pozzolan (e.g. calcined blue clay) in a sufficient amount to consume all calcium hydroxide produced by the cement hydration, the remaining alkalis will have aluminate or silicate as counter ion and metallic aluminium will be stable. Since aluminium is stable towards the environment, the concrete can then be designed with respect to strength class rather than environment classes.