Greener and stronger foundations

as a result of using GGBS cement

David OFlynn doflynn@ecocem.ie 087 9654891

Ecocem Ireland

Brief History of GGBS

1862: Hydraulic potential of GGBS discovered in Germany Early 1900s - Portland Blast Furnace Cements had an established place in the concrete market

2004: More than 5,000,000 tonnes of GGBS produced in Germany 2006: Approximately 2,000,000 tonnes of GGBS produced in UK 2008: Over 400,000 tonnes available in Ireland

GGBS Manufacture

GGBS - Environment

GGBS - Environment
CO2 emissions for GGBS and cement production
Typical CO2 Emissions for Portland Cement and GGBS Production (Figures in kg per tonne of output)

900 800 kg per Tonne of Output 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0 Portland Cement GGBS Other energy used Fossil Fuel Use Process Emissions

Environmental Savings
Environmental savings per typical base
CO2 SO2 NOx CO PM10 Energy Limestone/ Shale 79.4 tonnes Equivalent 25 Cars or 10 acres of mature forestry/year

245 kg 343 kg 245 kg 42.7 kg 94,000 kwh Power 18 homes for one year 160 tonnes

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GGBS Controlling thermal cracking

Controlling thermal cracking

Image courtesy of Wind Farm Civils

Controlling thermal cracking

Heat of Hydration
GGBS lowers peak and overall heat Substitution level 70%

Controlling thermal cracking

Maximum temperature differential on 1500mm deep base

0% GGBS 26 degrees

30% GGBS 25 degrees

50% GGBS 23 degrees

70% GGBS 19 degrees

Controlling thermal cracking

20m x 20m x 2.4 m deep base with 70% GGBS
60

50

40

30

Highest

Lowest
Difference 20

10

Controlling thermal cracking

Image courtesy of Wind Farm Civils

Controlling thermal cracking

Maximise use of GGBS to reduce heat generated Install and monitor thermocouples Insulate if required Minimise placing temperature Cover with plastic sheeting to protect from wind Remove insulation in stages

GGBS strength benefits

Long term strength development

95
85 75 65 N/mm2 55 42.5 & 50% GGBS

45
35 25 15
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200

42.5

Days

Temperature matched curing

1.1m deep base with 70% GGBS

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 1

Foundation Slab: C40/50 @ 70% GGBS

Strength N/mm2

Day Age Standard

3 TMC

GGBS Durability benefits

Durability increased resistance to acids

Peaty soils acidic environment
0% GGBS

30% GGBS

50% GGBS

Durability increased resistance to sulphates

Durability increased resistance to salts

Marine Environment Lower chloride ion diffusivity Lower porosity/permeability

Durability increased resistance to salts

BS 6349 Maritime Structures Table 22

Summary
Environmental
Positive PR Assist with planning applications Consistent ethos

Reduced risk of cracking

Longer life Reduced maintenance

Increased long term strength

Improved durability
Increased resistance to attack in peaty/acidic environments Increased resistance to attack in marine environments
David OFlynn doflynn@ecocem.ie 087 9654891