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5 phase process for using EcoSmart concrete in
construction projects
This guidance is intended
to assist project teams (particularly designers) with implementing
EcoSmart concrete technology in a construction project while limiting
involvement of EcoSmart personnel. If more detailed information
is required about the implementation process, please contact the
EcoSmart Foundation.
If you wish to submit a
report documenting the project for publication in the EcoSmart
Knowledge Base, let us know. See: Have you used EcoSmart Concrete? (Case studies should demonstrate the
innovative applications of EcoSmart concrete in structures, the
benefits and reasons for use in particular structures, and give
some solutions to the challenges faced by project teams. Case studies
serve as examples for project teams to show how others have incorporated
EcoSmart concrete in their projects.)
Phase
1: conceptual design
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Consider using EcoSmart
concrete.
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Learn about the benefits
and challenges
of using EcoSmart concrete.
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Educate the project
team (owner, project manager, engineer, architect) about the
benefits and challenges of using EcoSmart concrete, by reviewing
the EcoSmart
Knowledge Base, searching out the existing EcoSmart case
studies most relevant to your project, and sharing the pertinent
information (benefits,
challenges
and innovative solutions) from those case studies with your
team members.
Phase
2: preliminary design
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(If the project is at
this stage when EcoSmart concrete is first considered, review
the considerations and steps listed under Phase 1 and, in particular,
educate the project team about benefits and challenges of using
the EcoSmart concrete technology.)
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Incorporate the beneficial
aspects of EcoSmart concrete in your preliminary design
(e.g. higher long-term strength).
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EXAMPLE: The
TEFIII case study illustrates how a beneficial aspect
of EcoSmart concrete can be incorporated into the preliminary
design. This case study demonstrates the concept of reduced
size of certain structural elements by taking advantage
of the higher long-term strength of EcoSmart concrete.
Although the amount of Portland cement content per unit
of concrete may be greater in higher strength concrete,
the overall amount of Portland cement used in these elements
may be less because the total volume of concrete is reduced.
See pages 6 and 13 of the report:
Technology Enterprise Facility - UBC UBC Case Study: Using EcoSmart Concrete in Schedule Driven Construction.
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- Plan for and around
the challenges
of using EcoSmart concrete (e.g., lower early strength and increased
setting time).
- Consider potential %
Portland cement (PC) replacement
levels.
Phase
3: detailed design/specifications
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(If the project is at
this stage when EcoSmart concrete is first considered, review
the considerations and steps listed under Phases 1 and 2.)
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Decide on the optimum
%PC replacement
levels.
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Prepare specifications
for EcoSmart concrete - involve an experienced structural or
materials engineer to revise current specifications.
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Include the suggested
specification
clauses [pdf] for EcoSmart concrete in the project specifications.
Phase
4: tender
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(If the project is at
this stage when EcoSmart concrete is first considered, review
the considerations and steps listed under Phases 1, 2 and 3,
and note that at this point, it may be too late to effectively
incorporate EcoSmart concrete on the project. However, the tender
documents can request that the contractor use the industry standard
SCM concrete available locally. In some regions in Canada, the
industry standard concrete includes up to 30% SCMs. The Ready-Mixed
Concrete Associations in each region can help identify what
the industry standard is for their region.)
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Ensure that the tender
documents clearly indicate that EcoSmart concrete or concrete
containing higher levels of SCMs (instead of conventional concrete)
is being specified on the project. Include in the tender documents
a requirement for contractors bidding on a project to discuss
with the designers when and in which structural elements replacement
of Portland cement with SCMs can be increased without an impact
on cost.
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EXAMPLE: The
Durham College specifications clearly indicate that EcoSmart
concrete is being specified on the project. The specification
states that it "includes specific requirements applicable
to the use of high volume supplementary cementing materials
(HVSCM) concrete. For ease of reference, these clauses
are indicated in bold. HVSCM Concrete must comply with
these specific requirements and all other specification
clauses." See Clause 1.1.2 on page 2 of:
Appendix A: Concrete Specification [Durham College Case Study] . |
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EXAMPLE: The
SkyTrain specification states, "The intent of this
Specification is to require higher than normal amounts
of supplementary cementing materials (SCMs) as a replacement
for Portland cement." See page 16 of the report:
High Volume Fly Ash Concrete Usage for Skytrains.
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Schedule a pre-bid meeting
before the tender closes to familiarize the bidder in the use
of EcoSmart concrete and increase their comfort level. Have
an experienced professional explain the benefits and challenges
of EcoSmart concrete to potential bidders / contractors (experienced
professionals: e.g., materials engineer, structural engineer,
architect, contractor, or concrete producer).
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Ensure that the bidders
understand that there are some differences between EcoSmart
and conventional concrete, and that the bids reflect that understanding
(e.g., ensure that a curing plan is submitted).
Phase
5: construction
- (It is likely too late to start considering incorporating
EcoSmart concrete on the project at this phase. However, a test
pour using EcoSmart concrete can be conducted on an element of
the structure to gain experience with this type of concrete mixture
for application on future projects. The project team and the contractor
should be aware that in some regions in Canada, the industry standard
concrete includes up to 30% SCMs. The Ready Mixed Concrete Associations
in each region can help identify what the industry standard is
for their region.)
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Work with a materials
engineer or materials engineering company to test trial mixes
(in lab) or an experienced concrete producer.
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Schedule a pre-construction
meeting, which is similar to a pre-bid meeting, but include
crew for hands-on experience.
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Conduct trial pour.
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Ensure adequate curing
is performed (i.e., in accordance with CSA A23.1-04).
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Troubleshoot challenges
with innovative solutions.
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Ensure no extra/additional
mixing water is added on site to the concrete mix that is delivered
to site, particularly for residential concrete where this undesirable
practice tends to have the greatest negative impacts.
Have You Used EcoSmart Concrete?
Tell us about it
We would love to hear about your experiences using EcoSmart Concrete.
Have your project listed on the EcoSmart Concrete website
If you are interested in your construction project becoming an EcoSmart Concrete case study, please contact us to see if we can help with documentation, technical expertise or other support. Keeping our knowledge base updated with data about real construction projects and companies using the technology helps the entire industry understand how to use EcoSmart Concrete. Industry knowledge transfer is often taken a step further when EcoSmart Concrete users benefit from being hired as consultants by others wanting to use the technology in their projects.
Send us other concrete information or suggestions for our website
This website has been set up to provide information to further the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in concrete. If you have a related report you wish to submit, or other information you think should be added to our website, please let us know.
E-mail: info@ecosmartconcrete.com
Knowledge
Base search tips
Locate EcoSmart concrete experts by searching in
the EcoSmart Knowledge Base. Enter search terms like "materials engineer", "structural
engineer" or "architect" and select the author
search option before clicking the search button.
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