Durability of sodium carbonate alkali-activated slag concrete assessed by a performance-based approach

The study aims to understand the performance and durability of a sodium carbonate alkali-activated slag (AAS) based on a performance-approach. Equivalent performances were obtained between the AAS and CEM III/C-based concretes having a water/binder ratio of 0.4 regarding compressive strength, porosity, resistance to nitric acid, and sodium sulfate. AAS exhibited higher resistivity and better resistance to chloride, assessed by a chloride migration test. The AAS showed similar carbonation resistance to CEM III/C and CEM III/B concretes with w/b ratios of 0.47 and 0.53, respectively. A discussion of durability tests for their application to this type of binder is conducted.