Cement Replacement in Concrete: A Review of Research Trends, Challenges, and Future Directions

In the field of sustainable concrete practices, this review paper focuses on the concerns of the high percentage of embodied carbon dioxide present in the earth’s atmosphere by addressing the pivotal impact concrete has on this. Cement being a main ingredient in concrete has a great share in the amount of carbon dioxide embodied into the world. The substantial environmental impact of cement production on a regular basis underscores the urgency to explore alternatives and substitutions. Previous studies by scientists and engineers have successfully demonstrated the viability of partial cement replacement by percentages in concrete by enhancing its properties and reducing the environmental impact.

This review paper will focus on the idea of potentially complete cement replacement in concrete. This potential idea is build based on the foundation laid by previous engineering researchers and scientists that have explored and delved into the study of potential and possible cement replacements. By recognizing that cement is a major and a main component in concrete and is a major sustainable challenge to overcome, the analysis of previous results and research will be explored based on the feasibility and implication of eliminating cement entirely from the concrete mix. Numerous tests performed previously has been conducted and recorded on partial cement replacements have shown promising results indicating the suitability of cement-free concrete for low to medium structural applications.

This review goes beyond traditional studied that gradually replace cement, instead it highlights a paradigm shift towards complete replacement. A critical evaluation of existing research and findings with the aim of contributing to a more sustainable future for concrete applications. By conducting a critical evaluation and an inclusion and exclusion method to identify the gaps in the analysis, this review paper will not only highlight the successful partial replacements of cement but will also identify the gaps in literature, providing a guiding future investigation and prompting a more environmentally friendly and a conscious approach towards the concrete production in the engineering world. Being an informative resource for both industry experts and newcomers.