Durability of concrete prepared with low-carbon binders: Perspectives and insights

There is a need to fundamentally understand the durability of concrete prepared with low-carbon binders to ensure their safe use in specific exposure conditions, to provide a scientific basis for revised standards, and to unlock the full potential of CO 2 savings of novel supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). This study discusses important degradation mechanisms of (reinforced) concrete produced with low-carbon binders, including chloride ingress, carbonation, corrosion, salt and freeze-thaw damage, alkali-silica reaction, and sulfate attack. We highlight how novel SCMs can affect durability through their impact on the microstructure and chemical composition. We also identify knowledge gaps using recent results from experimental studies and reactive transport models. We conclude with an outlook on the concrete technology needed to successfully implement low-clinker cement and concrete in challenging environments. Overall, we provide a basis to support binder selection and performance-based concrete mixture design for specific exposure conditions.