Findings emphasise the need for more collaborative research on field-based studies of behaviour and performance of PLC concrete, and support for performance-based specifications and guidance.
The ACI Foundation, American Cement Association (ACA), and Concrete Advancement Foundation (CAF) today jointly release a research report conducted by Temple University researchers that evaluates the abrasion resistance and carbonation behaviour of portland-limestone cement (PLC, Type IL) systems for industrial floor applications, such as fulfilment and distribution centres, as well as data centres.
As fulfilment and distribution centres expand, owners and designers seek concrete floor systems that deliver both long-term durability and lower embodied carbon. The study, led by Temple Principal Investigator Mehdi Khanzadeh Moradllo, Ph.D., P.E., and his research team, addresses a critical evidence gap by systematically comparing the abrasion resistance of PLC and PLC+SCM (supplementary cementitious materials) systems with conventional ordinary portland cement (OPC) systems using the BS 8204-2 standard abrasion test in both laboratory and field settings.
The study found that PLC and PLC+SCM systems demonstrated abrasion resistance comparable to that of OPC systems in many of the tested mixtures when properly proportioned and finished.
The report equips specifiers, contractors, owners, and pavement engineers with empirical data to evaluate PLC and PLC+SCM as a lower-carbon alternative to OPC for industrial floors. The results also caution to employ standard industry practices for optimising concrete mix designs, account for regional variability in PLC when developing mixes, and use proper finishing and curing methods when placing the concrete. The lab-to-field abrasion comparison is a foundational result that is a first step toward the development of performance-based recommendations in industry standards and guides. Adoption of PLC, where appropriate, may reduce embodied carbon in large-area industrial slabs without compromising durability.
“Providing robust, field-validated data on PLC performance lets the industry adopt lower-carbon cement technology with confidence,” said Dr. Moradllo.
“This research shows that industry organisations continue to collaborate, exchange ideas, and focus on developing practical solutions for the entire concrete industry,” said Ann Masek, Executive Director, ACI Foundation.
“Owners and contractors need actionable guidance when specifying and placing industrial slab systems,” said Julia Garbini, President of the Concrete Advancement Foundation. “This study’s lab-to-field comparison is an important step toward performance-based specifications and encouraging best practices for successful projects.”
“Cement innovation, including blended cements, is an important part of the solution to lower concrete’s carbon footprint,” said Paul Tennis, Ph.D., ACA Senior Director, Research & Product Standards. “These findings demonstrate that an optimised PLC system is a practical, durable option for industrial applications.”
The full study can be found at: https://zenodo.org/records/19389662
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