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Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY V4.0, Open
Journal article
Carbon Footprint and Uncertainties of Geopolymer Concrete Production: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
C, Vol.11(3), pp.1-15
28/07/2025
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Abstract
This study aims to estimate the carbon footprint and relative uncertainties for design components of conventional and geopolymer concrete. All the design components of alkaline-activated geopolymer concrete, such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium silicate (Na2SiO3), superplasticizer, and others, are assessed to reflect the actual scenarios of the carbon footprint. The conjugate application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) tool SimPro 9.4 and @RISK Monte Carlo simulation justifies the variations in carbon emissions rather than a specific determined value for concrete binders, precursors, and filler materials. A reduction of 43% in carbon emissions has been observed by replacing cement with alkali-activated binders. However, the associative uncertainties of chemical admixtures reveal that even a slight increase may cause significant environmental damage rather than its benefit. Pearson correlations of carbon footprint with three admixtures, namely sodium silicate (r = 0.80), sodium hydroxide (r = 0.52), and superplasticizer (r = 0.19), indicate that the shift from cement to alkaline activation needs additional precaution for excessive use. Therefore, a suitable method of manufacturing chemical activators utilizing renewable energy sources may ensure long-term sustainability.
Details
- Title
- Carbon Footprint and Uncertainties of Geopolymer Concrete Production: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Creators
- Quddus Tushar - Central Queensland UniversityMuhammed A. Bhuiyan - RMIT UniversityZiyad Abunada - Central Queensland UniversityCharles Lemckert - Southern Cross UniversityFilippo Giustozzi - RMIT University
- Publication Details
- C, Vol.11(3), pp.1-15
- Publisher
- MDPI AG; BASEL
- Grant note
- The authors would like to acknowledge the financial and technical support of the School of Engineering and Technology, Central Queensland University, Southern Cross University, and RMIT University.
- Identifiers
- 991013303327402368
- Copyright
- © 2025 by the authors
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Engineering
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article