A Theoretical Model for Carbon-Neutral Concrete Mix Design Considering Diverse Curing Conditions
Keywords:
Carbon-Neutral Concrete, Sustainable Mix Design, Curing Optimization, Supplementary Cementitious Materials, Embodied Carbon Reduction, Life Cycle Assessment, CO₂ Mineralization, Geopolymer Concrete, Theoretical Modeling, Infrastructure Sustainability.Abstract
The greening of concrete is a critical research focus in civil engineering, driven by the increasing global demand for aggregates, the worldwide enforcement of decarbonization policies, and the urgent challenge of climate change. As one of the largest energy consumers and CO2 producers, the cement and concrete industry must align structural efficiency with ambitious sustainability targets. This paper develops a conceptual theoretical model within a numerical framework, based on first principles, to analyze the impact of various curing conditions on the environmental-structural performance of carbon-neutral concrete mix designs. The model is built upon three intertwined pillars: (1) an Environmental Pillar focused on reducing Portland cement content via green substitutes like fly ash and slag, using embodied carbon as a key metric; (2) a Mechanical Pillar ensuring engineering performance (strength, durability) through optimized mix proportions; and (3) a Curing Conditions Pillar that accounts for the effects of different curing methods (e.g., wet, steam, CO2) on carbon performance and long-term structural response. This integrated approach allows for the study of complex interactions between environmental, technical, and structural factors. The model provides a foundation for future computational simulations and the development of standardized performance metrics for sustainable construction codes, offering a practical framework for engineers, scholars, and policymakers to advance toward carbon-neutral concrete.
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