journal article·2026-01-23Open access

Long-term durability and microstructure of advanced high-performance concrete with cement kiln dust, boiler slag and PP fibers: flexural response and sustainability assessment

Piotr Smarzewski, Paulina Dziomdziora

Abstract

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive long-term investigation (up to 730 days) of advanced high-performance concrete (HPC, w / b = 0.25) incorporating a combined system of cement kiln dust (CKD, 5–10 %), boiler slag (BS, 5–10 %), and 0.06 % polypropylene fibers (PPF). Such a multi-component hybrid design has not been previously examined for long-term mechanical and durability performance. Mechanical, non-destructive, and durability tests were supported by SEM/EDX microstructural analysis. The combined incorporation of CKD and BS increased open porosity and water absorption, reducing compressive strength and stiffness, while flexural strength benefited from fiber bridging (22 % at 56 days for 10 % CKD + 10 % BS). Despite lower compressive performance, resistance to salt crystallization improved, particularly for 10 % BS + 5 % CKD. SEM/EDX confirmed higher portlandite content, elevated Ca/Si ratios, and a more porous ITZ at higher CKD/BS levels, explaining macroscale strength losses. A simplified cradle-to-gate CO 2 assessment indicated 80–90 kg CO 2 /m 3 reduction for 10 % cement replacement with CKD and an additional 0.5 kg CO 2 /m 3 benefit from granite substitution by BS. The results demonstrate the long-term performance–sustainability balance and define practical dosage limits for durable, low-carbon HPC containing multiple industrial by-products and fibers.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Innovative concrete reinforcement materials · Concrete and Cement Materials Research · Fire effects on concrete materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geodesy , Military University of Technology , 2 Gen. Sylwestra Kaliskiego, 00-908 Warsaw , Poland

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