Durability Testing Protocols for Concrete Made with Alternative Binders and Recycled Materials

There has been rising trend in utilizing alternative binders and recycled materials to lessen the environmental footprint of cement and concrete manufacturing. Fly ash and slag, when activated with alkaline solutions, can replace Portland cement, enhancing sustainability. These alternative binders and recycled materials can lead to denser and more intricate microstructures, which minimizes water absorption and ion penetration, increasing durability against environmental aggression. This chapter offers a brief review of the durability of concrete using alternative binders and recycled materials, particularly their resistance to chemical attacks like sulfate and chloride, as seen in strength and permeability tests.