Optimization of concrete for prefabrication and quantification of its environmental impact

The development of strength is an important criterion for the production of
prefabricated concrete elements. With seasonal changes of temperature that affect the development of concrete strength, daily cycles of often 18 hours or shorter have to bemaintained. The use of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) promotes high early age strength, but results in a relative high impact on the environment since cement production comes with decarbonation of components and a high energy demand. With the use of supplementary cementitious materials often comes a lower rate of strength development which might be compensated by one or more of the following measures: increase of cement fineness, curing at elevated temperature, optimization of the granular skeleton and/or use of accelerators.