Course Details

STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS

ST0027

Course
STRATEGIES FOR SUSTAINABLE CEMENTITIOUS MATERIALS
Code
ST0027
Academic Year
2026/2027
Curriculum Year
2024/2025
Degree Programme
GREEN CHEMISTRY
Curriculum
A001 - GENERICO
Course coordinator
GEO PAUL
Lecturers
GEO PAUL
Credits
3
Lecture Hours
24
Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)
CHEM-01/B - Chemistry for the Environment and for Cultural Heritage
Course Type
Single-subject learning activity
Course Delivery
OPZ - Opzionale
Year
3
Teaching period
Secondo Semestre
Campus
VERCELLI
Teaching language
English
Course Contents

This course describes advanced aspects of cement manufacture, cement phase composition, cement hydration, properties of cement with admixtures, special cements, and various cement durability issues.

Reference Texts

1). Structure and Performance of Cements, 2nd Edition, Edited by J. Bensted and P. Barnes, Spon Press, London, 2002, ISBN 0–419–23330–X. 

2). H. F. W. Taylor, “Cement Chemistry,” 2nd Edition, Thomas Telford, London, 1997. ISBN: 0727725920; 9780727725929. 


The course is complete with downloadable slides of the lectures, exercises, and reading material.

Learning Outcomes

To build a solid knowledge foundation about the innovative and most up-to-date concepts underlying the chemistry of cement, its manufacture, hydration, durability, and sustainability. Analyze and use criteria for selecting cementitious materials for specific applications, to reduce environmental impact, and to ensure durability.

Prerequisites

Fundamentals of general chemistry and materials science. Knowledge of cement chemistry basics.

Teaching Methods
Classroom lectures and technical visits to factories / industrial R and D laboratories.
Additional Information
A classroom activity of the revision of main topics of the course, using examples and exercises, are periodically done.
Assessment Methods
The assessment method employed in this course consist of a written exam. The exam will comprise a total of eight questions covering various topics addressed throughout the course. These questions may be in the form of multiple-choice (with four options) or open-ended questions, as indicated below: A minimum of four questions will be used to evaluate knowledge and understanding. At least one question will assess the ability to apply knowledge and understanding. This question will involve numerical exercises similar to those discussed during the course. Another minimum of one question will specifically assess communication skills. This question will be an open-ended question that requires a written response. The open questions will be evaluated in the ability to briefly describe the topic of the question and correlate it with chemical, technological and application aspects of cementitious materials. To facilitate preparation for the exam, a model exam paper will be provided to students at the conclusion of the course.
Detailed Syllabus

Module 1.  Cement manufacturing and new trends 

Session 1.1 Cement production

Session 1.2 Cement types and application

Session 1.3 Energy and raw material needs for cement and their environmental impact

Session 1.4 Strategies to reduce impact of cement production 


Module 2. Improvement of sustainability based on processes for the production of cement 

Session 2.1 Caloric substitution (fuels from waste and scrap, oxyfuel, hydrogen, flash calcination) 

Session 2.2 Carbon Capture and Storage/Carbon Capture and Utilisation  


Module 3. Materials-based sustainability improvement 

Session 3.1 Low energy requirement clinker - CSA 

Session 3.2 Low energy requirement clinker – Belitic cements 


Module 4. Supplementary cementitious materials in composite cement formulations 

Session 4.1 Limestone cement

Session 4.2 Slag based cement

Session 4.3 Pozzolan based cement

Session 4.4 Calcined clay based cement

Session 4.5 Mixed cements

Session 4.6 Application  


Module 5.  Durability 

Session 5.1 Chloride attack

Session 5.2 Sulfate attack

Session 5.3 Carbonation

Session 5.4 Frost resistance 


Module 6.  New ways to obtain cementitious materials 

Session 6.1 Geopolymerisation

Session 6.2 Carbon curing

Session 6.3 Celitement

Session 6.4 Solidia

Session 6.5 Construction demolition wastes

Expected Learning Outcomes
Students are expected to become familiar with the most current and advanced concepts of cement manufacturing and chemistry, its impact on society and the environment. They are also expected to know the hydration processes and durability of cement, as well as the future directions of the cement industry towards a sustainable and zero-emission world.
Last update:20-09-2026 00:13:38