Submicroscopic Evaluation Studies to Minimize Delayed Ettringite Formation in Concrete for a Sustainable Industry and Circular Economy

Abstract The high cost of maintenance, repair and retrofitting concrete infrastructure to keep these structures durable serviceable is not sustainable, so the design process needs consider all aspects deterioration mechanism/s that can potentially occur in a structure. ideal solution should contribute sustainability by enhancing durability elements supporting circular economy. We studied delayed ettringite formation (DEF), potential mechanism, including mitigation measures, various heat-cured cementitious systems. results showed continuously connected pore/crack paths at submicroscopic level favor transportation DEF-causing ions DEF increases chance developing cracks, which concern. To mitigate DEF, fly ash produced from an Australian bituminous coal-burning power station was incorporated binder support economy concept. Changes systems were evaluated using expansion, electrical resistivity, dynamic modulus, microstructural studies. pozzolanicity found greatly enhance denser calcium-silica-hydrate, turn restricted submicron level, leading less occurrence enhancement field structures.