ABSTRACT
Over the past 20 years, various entities—raw material producers, manufacturers, and builders—have attempted to improve sustainability in the construction industry. However, these efforts have been isolated, and no comprehensive solution is yet in sight. A clear example is the concrete industry, which relies on raw materials with diverse manufacturing and supply processes. Since 2000, for instance, the Latin American cement industry has made significant changes by reducing the clinker content in its products to lower CO₂ emissions and enhance sustainability (as reducing greenhouse gases contributes to environmental sustainability). Despite these efforts, there is limited understanding of how changes in clinker, pozzolan, and limestone content in new Latin American cement formulations may affect the durability of concrete structures. Sustainable concrete is synonymous with durable concrete, as structural damage that need repairs undermines sustainability by increasing material consumption. This research aims to provide recommendations to improve the sustainability—and durability—of concrete made with these new low-clinker cement formulations available in Latin American markets.
