INTERdisciplinary multiscale Assessment of a new generation of Concrete with alkali activated maTerials (INTERACT)

This project aims at bridging knowledge gaps for alkali-activated material (AAMs), by applying experimental and theoretical methods which have allowed to decipher the multiscale physical properties of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) systems. The envisaged research will provide in-depth understanding on the fundamental mechanism of the solidification processes (reaction mechanisms and kinetics, phase formations and binder structure), on rheological properties, on volume stability (shrinkage and cracking potential), and on the evolution of mechanical properties (setting, strength, and viscoelastic behaviour). This will be coupled with predictive multiscale modelling. By interlinking the complementary expertise of the involved partners, the limits of current research capabilities will be pushed forward and the challenging AAM behaviour will become comprehensible. This way, new methods for developing “microstructurally designed concrete” might arise. In addition, because of the complex nature of the AAMs, there is also a need for new or extended fundamental techniques in many fields of expertise. Therefore, this project will formulate challenging technique developments. The insights obtained in this project will not only be beneficial for AAMs, also they might provide a scientific basis for designing environmentally friendly binders with properties as favourable or even superior to the ones of classical cement paste.