Samenvatting

Concrete is arguably the most widely used building material in the world today. Current estimates of world cement manufacture are of the order of 1.7*109 tons per year, enough to produce well over 6 km3 of concrete per year or at least 1 m3 per person (Gartner, 2004). It is a composite material made from a mixture of water, aggregate (sand, gravel, or crushed stone), and Portland cement. Its versatility, durability, and strength make it suitable for a wide range of structures, from residential homes to skyscrapers, bridges, and roads. Concrete can be molded into nearly any shape before it hardens, making it incredibly versatile for construction purposes. Traditional concrete possesses naturally bonding properties because of the Portland cement reaction with water, while the aggregates contribute to the concrete’s enhanced durability and stability (Elaty, 2014).
However, it is essential to emphasize the huge environmental impact of the production and use of concrete. In fact, for the production of each cubic meter of concrete, average CO2 emissions are about 0.2 tons, making the Portland cement industry responsible for about 5% of the total carbon emissions that contribute to global warming (Yao et al., 2016). The manufacturing of Portland cement is a carbon-intensive process, which is why many suppliers have been researching for a way reduce emissions and find a more innovative and environmentally friendly alternative.
Due to the direct emissions of CO2 resulting from the chemical processes involved in cement production and the fossil fuel-based energy needed for traditional concrete manufacturing, a shift in the field of civil engineering is anticipated. With growing global awareness, strict regulations concerning carbon management are inevitable. This will require investment in newer technologies or the adoption of sustainable building materials, posing challenges for the concrete industry.