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        <title>Nordic Concrete Research Feed</title>
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        <copyright>All rights reserved 2026, Nordic Concrete Federation</copyright>
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        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Preface]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0029</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Evaluating the Mechanical Properties and Carbonation Resistance of High Slag Cement Concretes]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0002</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) has been incorporated into cement as a low-carbon alternative to clinker, yet its slower hydration can affect early-age performance. This study evaluates several mechanical properties as well as the carbonation resistance of concretes prepared with high-GGBFS cements, CEM III/A (42 % GGBFS) and CEM III/B (70 % GGBFS), compared against a commonly used reference CEM II/B-M (17 % GGBFS). Several mixes were tested for compressive, direct tensile, flexural tensile, and pull-off bond strengths, as well as elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, and carbonation resistance for selected mixes. High-GGBFS concretes exhibited moderately lower tensile and pull-off bond strengths at 28 days despite similar compressive strengths, but all mechanical properties equalled or surpassed the reference mix at 91-182 days. Carbonation resistance was slightly reduced in the CEM III/B mixes, and minimal differences were observed in elastic properties. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of high-GGBFS cements to substantially lower the carbon footprint of concrete production without sacrificing long-term mechanical performance, if design and construction practices account for their slower early-age strength development.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Assessment of Sufficient Number of Samples for Full-Scale Test of Hollow- Core Slabs]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0007</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Structural reliability of hollow-core slabs is critical in both new construction and reuse-oriented projects. Load testing is a central verification method, though its purpose differs between these contexts. In new construction, quality control is primarily based on material testing, with load testing serving as a voluntary method to confirm product consistency and the applicability of the resistance model used. In reuse-oriented projects, however, load testing becomes essential because material properties cannot be altered, and quality assurance relies on existing information and test results from a finite population of slabs.This study identifies the statistical uncertainty associated with the number of samples in HCS shear testing, using 188 full-scale test results from the literature and from this research. The results show substantial variation even among slabs with identical design parameters, and no correlation between variability and production year, slab height, concrete compressive strength, or strand cover depth was found. Increasing the number of samples significantly improves the estimated characteristic resistance value, while finite-population effects remain minor except in very small populations. The findings highlight the need to account for statistical considerations when making preliminary decisions about the required number of samples.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Quantifying CO2 Emission and Sequestration in Outdoor and Indoor Concrete Structures]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0006</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Accurate quantification of concrete carbonation is critical for Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and structural diagnostics of urban infrastructure. This reality case study at Linköping University’s Norrköping campus utilizes high-resolution ThermoGravimetric Analysis (TGA) to evaluate CO2 sequestration concrete structure exposed to Nordic climate. Through incremental depth profiling (0-4.5 cm), the study compares an outdoor wall (constructed in the 1950s and 2004) and an indoor parking floor (constructed in 1997).The TGA results enabled the quantification of calcium hydroxide depletion and calcium carbonate formation, providing a chemically based assessment of carbonation progression. The outdoor wall exhibited significantly higher carbonation levels, reaching a maximum CO₂ uptake of 7.75 %, whereas the indoor parking floor showed limited carbonation, with values as low as 0.70 %. These results indicate that environmental exposure conditions, particularly moisture availability and atmospheric interaction, exert a stronger influence on carbonation kinetics than the chronological age of the concrete.The depth-resolved thermogravimetric profiles also enabled identification of a partial carbonation zone within the outdoor structure. The study demonstrates that TGA provides a reliable method for assessing carbonation states in existing concrete structures and offers useful insights into the CO₂ sequestration potential of aging urban infrastructure under Nordic environmental conditions.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Photocatalysis and Blue Light in Swimming Pools Delay Corrosion in Concrete and Metal Parts and Improve Indoor Air Quality]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Västertorpsbadet aquatic center in Stockholm, Sweden, opened in 1967, had its original hypochlorite-based water treatment system combined with a photocatalysis treatment for the water and blue light in the pool hall. This case study follows up the outcome of these installations. When chlorine was reduced from 0.8 to 0.4 mg Cl2/l levels of culturable bacteria did not raise, and also all other indicators remained well within the Public Health Agency of Sweden’s guideline values. In addition, air quality in the pool hall was much improved because concentration of trichloramine in the air was reduced. When chlorine and chloride in the pool water is reduced, risk for corrosion is reduced, which will give extended service life both for reinforced concrete in the pool and in the building and in all steel details such as ducts, pipes and fixtures. In our literature research, we have not found any other similar approach to reduce chlorine addition in a swimming pool. In conclusion we found a good technical effect from supplementing the hypochlorite addition with these methods.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Effect of Partial Replacement of GGBFS with Wheat Husk Ash (10–30%) on the Compressive Strength of Low-Alkali Geopolymer Concrete under Ambient Curing]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0029</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Geopolymer Concrete (GPC) has gained acceptance as a solution for concrete applications, particularly those activated at low-alkali conditions and containing industrial or agricultural wastes, due to the increasing demand for more sustainable alternatives to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). This study investigates the effect of partial replacement of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) with wheat husk ash (WHA) at 10%, 20%, and 30% on the compressive strength of geopolymer concrete. A combination of sodium hydroxide (6M) and sodium silicate solution at a concentration of 6M and 10% by weight silica fume to enhance active ability. At 7, 28 and 90 days compressive strength was determined. The improvement of long-term strength (90 days) was observed, with a 10% replacement of GGBFS by WHA showing almost complete retention of the control performance (up to 20% replacement of GGBFS by WHA). X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis indicated that the incremental increase of WHA raised SiO₂ concentration and decreased CaO concentration which impacted the gel composition and led to the increase in strength. WHA was found to be an attractive and a sustainable pozzolanic material in low-alkali geopolymer systems, owing to its mechanical and green benefits, which the study concludes.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Assessment of Self-Healing in Pre-Cracked Concrete with Low-Carbon Binder Blends under Cyclic and Submerged Exposure]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0005</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study presents an investigation into the self-healing potential of concrete incorporating various binder systems under two exposure conditions. Seven binder types were evaluated, including three factory-blended cements and four laboratory-prepared blends containing fly ash or Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). Load-induced cracks were introduced in concrete beams, which were tested using a custom-designed water permeability method before and after one year of exposure to either continuous water submersion or cyclic wet/dry conditions.Results indicate that continuous water submersion promotes self-healing in most cases. All factory blended cements demonstrated healing to a varying degree. In contrast, mixtures where slag partially replaced Portland cement showed no indication of self-healing under either condition. Cyclic wet/dry conditions generally resulted in limited self-healing. The inclusion of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres contributed positively to healing, although the effect was less pronounced than in mixtures with cement-only or fly ash-based binders. Despite the limited number of specimens, the study provides valuable insights into long-term self-healing behaviour on early-age cracks and different exposure scenarios. The permeability-based test method used proved practical for identifying self-healing trends and may be of use for future studies of self-healing in cementitious systems.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Identifying the Challenges of Large-Scale Adapting of UHPFRC to Use in Bridge Repair in Norway]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2026-0001</link>
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            <pubDate>Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) offers significant potential for rehabilitating aging infrastructure, especially in cold regions like Norway where freeze–thaw cycles accelerate deterioration. With compressive strengths above 120 MPa, high fibre content, and exceptional durability, UHPFRC enables structural upgrading without imposing substantial additional deadload. This article proposes six key steps that have facilitated successful international implementation of UHPFRC ranging from laboratory mix development to the establishment of national standards. The purpose is to evaluate why Norway has yet to adopt the material at industrial scale. While countries such as Switzerland, France, and the United States have followed a clear implementation pathway, Norway remains behind despite strong academic results, including locally developed mixes reaching 171 MPa. Remaining problems related to material logistics, risk allocation, and the absence of national guidelines continue to hinder broader deployment.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Analysis of Concrete Designed for Low and Intermediate Level Nuclear Waste Repositories]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0021</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study investigates the mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics of five concrete mixtures specifically designed for application in low and intermediate-level nuclear waste repositories. These repositories necessitate construction materials that not only offer durability and strength but also maintain a long service-life under the underground environmental conditions over extended period. The concrete mix design was formulated with a focus on optimizing durability and sustainability, incorporating supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume and slag to enhance the concrete durability. Comprehensive microstructural analyses using petrographic analysis and Micro x-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) provided insights into the hydrate phases and pore structure evolution, revealing that the concrete exhibits dense microstructures and low permeability, essential for reducing leaching and sulfate attack risks. Mechanical testing demonstrated high compressive strength and modulus of elasticity, showing the suitability of concrete mixtures for structural components in repository environment. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of this designed concrete mixture in meeting the demands of low and intermediate level nuclear waste storage, ensuring safety and stability while also supporting environmental sustainability using eco-friendly materials.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Sufficient Sampling to Determine the Cover Depth of Reinforcement and Carbonation Depth for In-use and Reclaimed Concrete Elements]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0025</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study addresses how many samples are sufficient to reliably estimate the cover depth of reinforcement and the carbonation depth of indoor load-bearing concrete elements. A Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations for extreme values of real cases was used to evaluate the standard error of the mean for different numbers of samples. To evaluate the cover depth of reinforcement, the simulation results suggest that 150 measurements are statistically sufficient for a certain reinforcement type and for each element type. However, hollow-core slabs can be treated as a distinct population due to their consistently low variability in cover depth. Reliable preliminary estimate can be obtained with only 10 measurements, while 30 measurements are sufficient to achieve high statistical reliability. To estimate the carbonation depth, 12-14 samples are recommended. The carbonation depth varies between elements and among samples, so the utmost care should be taken when determining sampling spot and the value for an individual sample.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Mechanical Properties of Structural Concrete with Recycled Concrete Aggregates at High Replacement Ratios]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0020</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This paper presents the results of a large and systematic experimental investigation of structural concrete cast with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) at high replacement ratios. The experimental campaign included determination of modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and tensile strength, and was divided into two series comprising a total of 312 test specimens. The first series investigated the influence of the replacement ratio (RR) at a fixed target compressive strength, whereas the second series examined varying target strengths at a fixed RR. Proportioning of all concrete mixtures was based on achieving maximum packing density, and the RCA was well-characterised regarding water absorption capacity, density, compressive strength, and aggregate types, the latter two often unspecified in previous studies. The experimental campaign shows that even at considerably higher RRs than current recommendations in standards and the literature, RCA is a viable alternative to natural aggregate (NA) with no increase in cement content nor pre-treatment of the RCA, provided systematic handling of mixture design and production.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Roadmap for Low-Carbon Concrete in Finland]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0024</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[A roadmap for low-carbon concrete was prepared in Finland. The aim of the roadmap was to identify possible options for CO2-emission reductions in concrete production. The calculations were made to correspond the situations in 2030, 2040 and 2050. The calculations were based on the maximum saving potential and the degree of utilization of the options. The roadmap covers the whole Finnish concrete industry and individual companies in different product segments. It is well known that cement has the largest potential for CO2 saving, but the roadmap reveals several other potential options as well. The most potential options vary between the product segments. The roadmap also confirms that concrete can reach very low CO2-emission level in the future.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Durability of Mortar and Concrete with Composite Cements Containing Novel SCMs]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0009</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[The simplest way to reduce global CO2 emissions linked to cement productions is to reduce the amount of clinker by partially replacing it with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The availability of the most common used SCMs (e.g. fly ash), is, however, expected to decrease in the coming years. Extensive research is conducted to find new alternatives and ensuring long-term durability of concrete incorporating new materials is crucial for implementation. The impact of novel SCMs from Nordic countries on fresh and hardened properties as well as durability performance in mortar and concrete was studied. The composite cements analysed had a composition of 78 wt.% Portland cement, 18 wt.% SCM and 4 wt.% limestone. The investigated SCMs include natural materials such as clays and volcanic rocks (rhyolite and hyaloclastite), and industrial products such as fly ash, slag, oil shale ash, bio-fuel ash or bio-coal fly ash. All SCMs except oil shale ash had comparable performance to fly ash in terms of resistance to carbonation and chloride ingress, resistance to freeze-thaw scaling and mitigation of ASR. Concretes prepared with oil shale ash had considerably higher chloride ingress and no mitigating effect on ASR expansion.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Scaling Recycled Concrete in Sweden - Technical Advances, Supply Chains and Optimized Logistics for a Circular Flow]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0023</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This study examines the benefits and limitations of different supply chain models for recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), a highly resource- and CO2-intensive material. Focusing on Sweden, it combines material science insights with policy analysis and logistics modelling to assess the potential of RCA in construction. RCA demonstrate strong reuse potential in both bound (new concrete) and unbound (road and backfilling) applications, with life cycle assessments indicating lower climate impacts than virgin aggregates. However, barriers to achieve circularity persist, including fragmented regulations, limited infrastructure, and weak market demand. Using qualitative data from industry actors and quantitative modelling, three scenarios are developed: high-utility reuse of elements, consolidated recycling into bound and unbound applications, and low-utility recycling for backfilling. Results highlight the importance of selective demolition, traceability, procurement models, and strategic placement of concrete material terminals. The study concludes that coordinated policy, logistics planning, and procurement practices are critical to scaling RCA adoption.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Beyond Bauxite or Alumina: A Review of Alternative Alumina Rich Sources for Calcium-Sulfo Aluminate Cement Production]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0016</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Calcium Sulfo-Aluminate (CSA) clinkers are predominantly tailored for specialized markets that require distinct properties such as accelerated strength development and shrinkage compensation, both of which are primarily associated with the presence of the ye’elimite phase. The commercial CSA clinkers constitute a high ye’elimite content from the use of raw materials such as pure alumina or bauxite, which is listed as a critical raw material by the European commission and therefore significantly increasing the production costs. This economic limitation renders CSA cement substantially more expensive than Ordinary Portland cement (OPC), thereby confining its use to small-scale application. These challenges may be addressed by exploring alternative alumina-rich industrial by-products or Al-rich residues characterized by Fe2O3 and SiO2 contents below 5% and Al2O3 content above 60 %, which hold the potential to fully substitute pure alumina or bauxite. Therefore, maintaining the high ye’elimite content of the CSA clinkers without the use of pure alumina or bauxite. However, incorporating Al-rich residues from the aluminium industry may pose a risk to the human health during clinker production due to its high dioxin content of ~ 35 ng TEQ kg−1, higher than the limit proposed by SINTEF of 10 ng TEQ kg−1. Therefore, future research direction should focus on initially the degradation technologies for dioxin removal from the raw material followed by evaluating the feasibility of using Al-rich industrial residues as the sole source of alumina in CSA clinker production, aiming to optimize their processing and performance while minimizing reliance on pure alumina or bauxite.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Combining Chloride Migration and Diffusion Tests to Estimate Freundlich Chloride Binding Parameters and Improve Predictions of Chloride Ingress]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0013</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Chloride binding plays a major role with respect to chloride ingress. On one hand, engineering models often rely on “apparent” diffusion coefficients, which account for both the diffusion of chlorides in the pore solution and chloride binding. On the other hand, mechanistic models intend to consider the two phenomena separately. However, the inputs to model chloride binding are quite complex to acquire, because they require dedicated experiments that are usually only conducted for research purposes.In this paper, an approach is proposed to estimate binding parameters from chloride ingress profiles. First, the effective diffusion coefficient is measured with a chloride migration test. Then, a chloride profile from a diffusion test is fitted with a model where transport of free chlorides follows Fick’s second law, and free and bound chlorides are linked by a Freundlich equation. Finally, the surface concentration and the Freundlich parameters are adjusted to obtain the best possible fit. The derived Freundlich parameters are fairly close to the ones measured in dedicated chloride binding experiments. A case study applying this approach to concrete elements exposed to seawater in a Danish harbour is also presented.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Preface]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0030</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Service Life of Concrete Repairs]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0022</link>
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            <pubDate>Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Effective repair and protection of concrete structures prolong their service life. This is well documented. There are various repair and protection categories ranging from mechanical repair to electrochemical repairs and surface treatments. The service life of these repairs as such is, however, less studied and documented. There are several parameters that can be used to estimate to what extent the repairs retain their protective properties over time. This paper summarises these parameters and gives a short state of the art review of published English literature over the last 35 years regarding service life of concrete repairs and protection. A call to improve the procedures linked to concrete repair is also presented.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Testimonials About Damages in Construction Resulting in Need for Rework – Cases in Sweden - Part 2]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0003</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[This is a study about damage resulting in rework in residential construction in Sweden. They are assorted under 13 headings that mention physical facts without taking a position on cause of the problem. This second part of the report presents information considering water freezing in the building envelope, water in the facades, stained facades, construction parts that not fulfil the system performance anticipated and also real disasters. Preparation before casting concrete takes care because any need for demolishment consumes considerable resources. In general, to avoid damage it is good to; have up to date knowledge about problems that emerge; have a leadership that favours commitment to a well-built product; and to follow up the details that are critical, like those that could result in leakage of water. We also think it is good to be open about things that go wrong. In case skill is missing, education would contribute to a better outcome and less need for rework. In case violation to any instruction or principle is the reason, it should be very clear who is responsible, and important to place responsibility with the person who can influence the outcome.]]></description>
            <category>ARTICLE</category>
        </item>
        <item>
            <title><![CDATA[Assessing the Mechanical Properties and Frost Resistance of Recycled Coarse Aggregate Concrete in Finland]]></title>
            <link>https://reference-global.com/article/10.2478/ncr-2025-0010</link>
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            <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate>
            <description><![CDATA[Recycled concrete coarse aggregates (RCCA) offer a sustainable alternative to virgin aggregates in concrete production, addressing both environmental and economic concerns. This study evaluates the mechanical properties and freeze-thaw resistance of concrete with 50% and 100% RCCA replacement percentages, using aggregates sourced from demolished structures in Finland. A total of eleven concrete mixes were tested, categorized into four groups based on testing objectives: mechanical strength, elastic properties, creep and shrinkage, as well as freeze-thaw resistance. The results show that compressive strength decreased with higher RCCA replacement, but the extent of the reduction varied across mixes and testing ages. At 100% RCCA, the strength reduction was more noticeable, but it still varied depending on the mix. Young’s modulus declined with increasing RCCA content, while creep strain increased, particularly at 100% RCCA replacement. In contrast, freeze-thaw resistance remained comparable to the control, with minimal internal damage and low surface scaling. These findings underscore the feasibility of RCCA in concrete applications, highlighting both its potential and performance limitations.]]></description>
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