Futuristic city with durable, green buildings made of alkali-activated cement.

Concrete Jungle Woes: Can Alkali-Activated Cements Save Our Structures?

Nico Varela in Tech & Innovation August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover how innovative, corrosion-resistant cements are designed to combat aggressive environmental conditions, offering a sustainable solution for durable infrastructure."

In today's world, as construction projects continue to expand, ensuring the long-lasting strength of our structures has become a top priority. The durability of concrete isn't just about withstanding everyday wear and tear; it's heavily influenced by the specific conditions it faces. Factors like the type of cement used play a crucial role in determining how well a structure holds up over time.

One area of particular interest is creating concrete that can resist corrosion, especially when used in specialized projects. Currently, there isn't a single, all-encompassing solution for designing concrete mixes that can tackle every type of corrosion challenge. The ability of concrete to resist corrosion depends on several key characteristics, including the type of cement and its makeup, the blend of hydration products, the water-to-cement ratio, the use of additives, the composition of aggregates, and the overall pore structure.

When designing corrosion-resistant concrete mixes, it's essential to consider the specific service conditions and the types of aggressive exposures the concrete will face. Recent research has focused on developing alkali-activated cements that can stand up to these challenges by carefully controlling the chemical reactions within the cement to enhance its resistance to breakdown.

Decoding Alkali-Activated Cements: A Shield Against Corrosion?

Futuristic city with durable, green buildings made of alkali-activated cement.

Traditional thinking has us believing that alkali-activated cements, especially those made from granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash, could revolutionize how we approach corrosion-resistant concrete. These materials, championed by scientists like Professor V.D. Glukhovsky, have shown great promise in creating concretes that not only resist corrosion but also boast impressive strength and resilience.

Fly ash alkali-activated cements are proving their worth. By using fly ash content of up to 90%, these cements offer a compelling alternative to traditional portland cements, which typically contain only about 30% fly ash. The kicker? Fly ash alkali-activated cement stone exhibits superior resistance to weathering, frost, and corrosion, making it a game-changer for construction in harsh climates.

Composition Control: Alkali content and calcium-containing components are carefully regulated to optimize the hydration products.
Superior Performance: Cements like APC III-400 and ACC V-400 demonstrate higher corrosion resistance than Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).
Versatile Application: Ideal for use in environments with aggressive substances like sodium and magnesium sulfates.

Research indicates that the key to achieving high corrosion resistance lies in promoting the formation of weakly soluble, low-basic calcium hydrosilicates, hydrogarnets, and minerals similar to natural hydroaluminates during cement hydration. By carefully adjusting the mix, engineers can create a cement stone that's inherently more resistant to chemical attack.

Building a Future with Durable Concrete: The Road Ahead

The development and application of alkali-activated cements represent a significant leap forward in our ability to create more durable and sustainable concrete structures. By understanding and harnessing the properties of these innovative materials, we can reduce maintenance, extend the lifespan of infrastructure, and minimize the environmental impact of construction.

As research continues, it's likely that we'll see even more specialized formulations of alkali-activated cements tailored to specific environmental challenges. The key will be optimizing the composition to promote the formation of corrosion-resistant hydration products while maintaining the necessary strength and workability.

By embracing these advancements, we can ensure that our buildings, bridges, and other concrete structures stand the test of time, even in the face of increasingly aggressive environmental conditions.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1051/matecconf/201823003007, Alternate LINK

Title: Alkali Activated Cements Mix Design For Concretes Application In High Corrosive Conditions

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: MATEC Web of Conferences

Publisher: EDP Sciences

Authors: Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Valentina Grabovchak, Yaroslav Govdun

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What key factors determine concrete's ability to resist corrosion, and how do alkali-activated cements address these factors?

The ability of concrete to resist corrosion depends on the type of cement and its makeup, the blend of hydration products, the water-to-cement ratio, the use of additives, the composition of aggregates, and the overall pore structure. Engineers adjust these factors based on the service conditions and the types of aggressive exposures the concrete will face. Alkali-activated cements, like those made from granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash, are designed to enhance corrosion resistance by carefully controlling the chemical reactions within the cement.

How do alkali-activated cements, particularly those using fly ash and granulated blast-furnace slag, compare to traditional Portland cement in terms of corrosion resistance and composition?

Alkali-activated cements, especially those made from granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash, championed by scientists like Professor V.D. Glukhovsky, offer a promising alternative. Fly ash alkali-activated cements, with fly ash content up to 90%, can replace traditional portland cements (typically containing about 30% fly ash). These cements exhibit superior resistance to weathering, frost, and corrosion.

What chemical processes and compounds are critical for achieving high corrosion resistance in alkali-activated cements, and how are these promoted during cement hydration?

Recent research emphasizes the importance of weakly soluble, low-basic calcium hydrosilicates, hydrogarnets, and minerals similar to natural hydroaluminates during cement hydration. By carefully adjusting the mix, engineers can create a cement stone that's inherently more resistant to chemical attack. Cements like APC III-400 and ACC V-400 demonstrate higher corrosion resistance than Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC).

What important aspects of alkali-activated cements are not discussed, and what additional research or information would be helpful in assessing their overall potential?

While the focus is on corrosion resistance and durability, the article doesn't delve into the specific manufacturing processes of alkali-activated cements or a detailed comparison of their costs relative to traditional Portland cement. Further research into these areas would provide a more complete picture of the viability of alkali-activated cements. It is also important to address global standards and certifications to facilitate wider adoption. Moreover, long-term studies on structures built with these materials will be critical to validate their extended lifespan and reduced maintenance claims.

If alkali-activated cements are widely adopted, what are some potential long-term impacts on the construction industry and the environment?

The long-term impact of widespread adoption of alkali-activated cements includes potentially reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry due to the use of industrial byproducts like fly ash and granulated blast-furnace slag. Structures built with these materials may require less maintenance and last longer, decreasing the need for frequent replacements and reducing waste. However, further research is needed to fully understand any potential environmental impacts related to the production and disposal of alkali-activated cements.