The main achievements of the project are:
1. Development and characterization of novel low-clinker cements. Several cement compositions were tested to identify the best synergies between the different cement constituents. Separate grinding technology was used to target specific fineness for the ground clinker, granulated blast-furnace slag, fly ash and limestone. The production of the best performing CEM II/C and CEM VI cements took place for the first time on an industrial scale.
2. Development of concretes using the novel low-clinker and low-cost cements. Three different concretes were developed based on the workability, strength and durability requirements given by the national standards. This included the screening and use of compatible admixtures. These concretes were then further engineered to accommodate the different additive technologies (see Figure 1).
3. Development of smart corrosion inhibitors. The functionalization of the smart corrosion inhibitors was successfully evaluated in aqueous solution and the production was scaled up reaching the synthesis of nearly 1 kg of product in one batch.
4. Carbon-based additives. The quantities and typologies of carbon-based green additions have been investigated. A mix of fillers and fibres was engineered to reduce electrical impedance (for monitoring purposes) and to enhance compressive and tensile strength of concrete. The related monitoring technology was validated detecting induced degradation and verifying the correlation with the measured electrical impedance.
5. Development of sensorized textile reinforced concrete. Textile and sensor specifications were defined and the best strategy for the damage monitoring procedure established on a set of lab-size sensorized concrete samples, characterized also in terms of mechanical performances up to braking point.
6. Development of other advanced non-destructive tools (NDTs). The development of other non-intrusive in-field inspection tools took place including crack detection and their aperture assessment.
7. Multifunctional protective coatings. Functional agents with self-healing, self-cleaning, anti-moulding and light-reflective properties were developed and successfully integrated in coatings.
8. Lab scale durability testing. Laboratory durability testing was carried out across different laboratories with the aim to confirm the improved durability of the EnDurCrete solutions and to provide data to verify the numerical models. Chloride ingress, carbonation, corrosion resistance and freeze-thaw were tested, showing properties above requirements for the targeted applications.
9. Modelling. Modelling of carbonation and chloride ingress performance of the novel binders has been successfully achieved and compared against results of accelerated durability tests. Increase in service life (between 37% to 97%) of concrete macrostructures were found via computational analyses depending on the application and on the structure studied.
10. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Life Cycle Assessment at material level has been performed for the five EnDurCrete innovative sub-products, and at product level for the selected tunnels, harbours, bridges, and offshore structures. The target reduction of Global Warming Potential (-45% GWP) has been reached.
Demonstrator activities. Combining all the technologies developed in EnDurCrete, full scale demonstrator panels and cubes were cast and sent to different demonstrator locations in Europe, in working sites of tunnels and harbours (Spain), bridges (Croatia) and offshore structures (Norway) – see Figure 2-4. Monitoring was carried out continuously, after 6 months and 12 months of exposure and will continue beyond the project end.
