EU Sustainable Development Strategy planned to achieve improvement of life-quality by promoting sustainable production and consumption of raw materials. On November 2018, EU Commission presented a long-term strategy, aiming among others a climate-neutral economy by 2050. Cement production is contributing to 6-10% of the anthropogenic CO2 emissions. Thus, several strategies for total or partial replacement of Portland cement in concrete production have been developed. The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) and alkali-activated materials (AAM) is considered the most efficient countermeasure to diminish CO2 emissions. The broadening of knowledge with particular attention to the sustainable goals is the primary requirement to be fulfilled when novel materials are investigated. This study aims to develop a novel clay-based binder that can be used as a sustainable alternative to produce SCM as well as AAM. Clay is a commonly occurring material, with large deposits worldwide. However, natural clay has a low reactivity and various compositions, depending, e.g. on the weathering conditions. The present research aims exactly at enhancing the reactivity of natural clays occurring in Sweden subjecting them to mechanical activation in a planetary ball mill. Ball milling (BM) is considered a clean technology able to enhance the reactivity of crystalline materials without resorting to high processing temperatures or additional chemicals. BM was able to induce amorphization in clay minerals and to transform the layered platy morphology to spherical shape particles. The efficiency of the process was strictly related to the used process parameters. Higher ball to processed powder (B/P) ratio, longer time of grinding and higher grinding speeds increased the degree of the obtained amorphization. However, an undesired extensive caking and agglomeration occurred in certain setups. The potential of activated clay as a SCM was investigated in specific case studies. The measured compressive strength results showed a direct correlation between the enhanced amorphization degree of the mechanically activated clay and the increased strength values. The pozzolanic activity was induced and enhanced after the mechanical activation of the clay. The reactivity was assessed by the strength activity index (SAI). Furthermore, preliminary tests have shown that the alkali activation of the processed clays produced solidified matrixes with considerable strength.

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / The Sea Point contact, Cape Town, South Africa, exposes the contact between the Neoproterozoic Malmesbury Group metasedimentary rocks of the Pan-African Saldania belt and the intrusive S-type Peninsula Granite of the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic Cape Granite Suite (CGS). The exposure outcrops over an area of approximately 170 m × 60 m with the northern end of the exposure being characterized by the country rock–microgranite intrusive contact. Heading further south, the outcrop transitions to the main contact zone, which is a predominantly gradational zone marked by sheets of compositionally variable granitic injections (collectively referred to as hybrid granite phases) concordant to the country rock structure, before reaching the main pluton area comprising the voluminous coarse-grained porphyritic granite. Using a combined study incorporating field, structural, geochemical, isotopic and U-Pb geochronological data, the intrusive contact is investigated to determine the construction history of the pluton and delineate possible emplacement mechanisms. The granitic phases, which vary from fine-grained leucocratic, medium-grained porphyritic to coarse-grained porphyritic, are peraluminous, magnesian to ferroan, and alkali-calcic. Based on the linear trends between the whole-rock major and trace element content of the granites vs. maficity (molar Fe + Mg), their initial Sr ratios and εNd(t) values, the granites of the study area are consistent with the currently proposed petrogenetic model for the CGS (e.g. Stevens et al., 2007; Villaros et al., 2009a; Harris & Vogeli, 2010); i.e., they are crustally derived and their chemical variability is controlled primarily by peritectic assemblage entrainment. The fractional crystallization of K-feldspar is identified as the primary mechanism for the local geochemical variability of the granites. The fractionation of K-feldspar as a mechanism of variability was evaluated using binary log-log diagrams of Ba, Sr and Eu and is interpreted to have taken place at levels close to the emplacement site after source entrainment processes. Although there is outcrop evidence, particularly in the main contact zone, to suggest that local assimilation and filter pressing took place, this was not reflected by the whole-rock and isotope geochemistry of the granites. This suggests that these processes are very localized and will need further rigorous testing to ascertain the extent to which they caused variability. Outcrop evidence for assimilation includes gradational country rock-granite contacts and the ductile behaviour of the country rock, whereas the occurrence of K-feldspar megacrysts embedded in the country rock at the main contact zone suggests melt accumulation and escape consistent with the filter pressing mechanism. In the case of the latter, the melt fraction of the granite was easily mobilized and driven out compared to the crystal fraction (K-feldspars) during the emplacement of the granites. Field relationships and the structural interpretation of the Malmesbury Group country rocks and the granites reveal that: (1) the various granites are late syn-tectonic and (2) were emplaced as incrementally assembled, repeated pulses of inclined granitic sheets more or less normal (i.e. at high angles) to the regional NE-SW shortening (D1) of the Malmesbury forearc during the Saldanian orogeny. Given the lack of a controlling shear zone in facilitating granite emplacement in the study area, the pre-existing planar anisotropies (bedding planes and foliations) in the country rock provided preferential pathways for magma emplacement and propagation during deformation. This implies that the tensile strength normal and parallel to the bedding and foliation anisotropy of the country rock was larger than the regional differential stress (σ1 – σ3, with σ1 ≥ σ2 ≥ σ3), allowing for magma emplacement relative to shortening. Sheet propagation is interpreted to have occurred through the balance of the following conditions: (1) density contrasts between host rocks and magmas, (2) the pressure differential along the subvertical fractures/sheets, and (3) the melt pressure equalling the lithostatic pressure to keep the magma pathways open and being sufficiently high such that it exceeds the sum of σ1 and the tensile strength of the rock parallel to σ1. The crystallization ages of the dated granite samples are identical within error and vary between 538.7 ± 3.6 Ma and 542.7 ± 2.9 Ma. They, therefore, cannot prove which granite phase intruded first and which one proceeded and so forth. Field relationships, however, suggests that the microgranites were first to intrude given their fine-grained nature and the localized chilled contacts they show with the country rock. The various coarser-grained and porphyritic phases were next to intrude, with their coarse grain-sizes and lack of chilled margins with the country rock suggesting that the time interval between their successive emplacements was not too long; this prevented the country rock from completely cooling down between each magma batch. Magma stoping and the ductile flow of the host material (owing to highly viscous magma flow) to accommodate granite emplacement are interpreted to be secondary emplacement processes.

Cette thèse présente l'étude de l'interaction de lumière cohérente avec une couche sub-longueur d'onde de vapeur alcaline atomique confinée en nano-cellule et applications pour la formation de résonances optiques étroites.Nous développons un modèle théorique décrivant l'interaction résonante de lumière laser avec la couche mince de vapeur alcaline en présence d'un champ magnétique. Nous montrons qu'en raison d'un régime transitoire d'interaction, seuls les atomes lents contribuent au signal et leur spectre de transmission est essentiellement sans effet Doppler. La nature des spectres obtenus fait de la spectroscopie de transmission, en nano-cellule, une technique pratique pour l'étude de transitions très rapprochées et l'évolution de leur comportement dans un champ magnétique. Des expériences réalisées pour des champs magnétiques jusqu'à 7000 G montrent un excellent accord entre théorie et expérience.Nous explorons aussi la rotation Faraday du plan de polarisation de la lumière lors de sa propagation dans la couche mince atomique. Bien que l'angle de rotation soit très faible, nous observons que les résonances des spectres de rotation Faraday sont plus étroites que celles de transmission. Enfin, nous étudions de nouvelles possibilités pour former des résonances optiques étroites et montrons qu'un traitement par deuxième dérivée des spectres de transmission donne le meilleur rétrécissement de raies parmi toutes les méthodes étudiées dans cette thèse. / This thesis presents the study of coherent light interaction with a sub-wavelength atomic alkali vapor layer confined in a nano-cell and applications for the formation of narrow optical resonances.We develop a theoretical model describing the resonant interaction of the laser light with the thin alkali vapor layer in the presence of an external static magnetic field. We show that due to a transient regime of interaction, only slow atoms contribute to the signal and their transmission spectrum is essentially Doppler-free. The nature of the obtained spectra makes the transmission spectroscopy from a nano-cell a convenient technique to perform studies of closely-spaced atomic transitions and investigate their behavior in magnetic fields. Experimental realizations for magnetic field up to 7000~G show an excellent agreement between theory and experiment.We also explore the Faraday rotation of the plane polarization of light with the propagation through the thin atomic slab. We see that despite a small angle of rotation, Faraday rotation spectra exhibit resonances narrower than that for transmission. At last, we investigate new possibilities to form narrow optical resonances in nano-cells and show that second derivation processing of transmission spectra yields the strongest line narrowing among all methods studied in this thesis.

Many highway and hydraulic structures in North America have been reported to be affected by alkali aggregate reaction (ASR). It is anticipated that most of these structures will be demolished as they approach the end of their service lives. Recycling demolished concrete as aggregates in new concrete is an option that not only reduces the amount of construction demolition waste (CDW) disposed in landfills but also lessens the consumption of non-renewable resources such as natural aggregates. However, the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in new concrete requires detailed research to make sure that the durability of the recycled material is not compromised, especially if the RCA had been previously affected by ASR. In this research project, coarse recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is reclaimed and processed from distinct members (i.e. foundation blocks, bridge deck and columns) of an ASR-affected overpass after nearly 50 years of service. RCA concrete mixtures incorporating 50 and 100% replacement are manufactured and stored in conditions enabling further ASR development. Mechanical (i.e. Stiffness Damage Test - SDT) and microscopic (Damage Rating Index - DRI) analyses are performed at a fixed “secondary” induced expansion of 0.12%. Results show that the overall performance of the ASR-affected recycled mixtures depends upon the “past” condition of the RCA particles. Moreover, the DRI was able to capture the “past” and “secondary” induced expansion and damage of affected RCA while the SDT only detected the “secondary” distress development. Lastly, an adapted version of the DRI was proposed to further evaluate the overall damage of recycled concrete along with properly displaying “past” and “secondary” induced distress.

Le travail décrit dans ce manuscrit s’inscrit dans le cadre de la gestion de déchets nucléaires, de faible activité à vie longue (FA-VL), composés d’alliage de magnésium et de graphite, produits pendant l’exploitation de la première génération de réacteurs nucléaires en France. Il s’agit d’étudier la possibilité de leur immobilisation par cimentation et de comprendre le comportement des colis ainsi fabriqués tout au long de leur vie. Plusieurs mécanismes couplés sont à considérer : l’alliage de magnésium peut se corroder au sein de la matrice d’enrobage, en particulier lors du couplage galvanique avec le graphite. La croissance de produits de corrosion autour du métal et la restriction des déformations propres de la matrice cimentaire engendrent des contraintes à l’intérieur du matériau. La vérification de certaines exigences de sureté (stabilité dimensionnelle du colis et faible production d’hydrogène) nécessite donc le développement d’un outil numérique pouvant prédire le comportement mécanique des colis. En particulier, un mortier de laitier activé à la soude, qui présente un intérêt particulier, est examiné. Ce liant appartient à la famille des matériaux alcali-activés dont la modélisation numérique du comportement est peu abordée dans la littérature. La construction du modèle numérique passe ainsi par une large campagne expérimentale (caractérisation du comportement thermo-chemo-mécanique du mortier de laitier alcali-activé et de la corrosion du magnésium dans les matrices cimentaires) puis par un travail d’homogénéisation par éléments finis pour pouvoir déterminer les propriétés de l’ensemble (mortier + déchets) et mener des simulations à l’échelle du colis. Concernant le premier axe d’étude expérimentale, un faible échauffement accompagne l’avancement des réactions d’hydratation, ce qui est bénéfique vis-à-vis des contraintes internes résultantes de l’auto-restriction des déformations thermiques au sein des structures massives. Néanmoins, les déformations de retrait endogène montrent un développement important à long terme. Ceci peut générer des contraintes internes dans le colis (en présence de restrictions), mais la grande capacité de fluage du matériau empêche la fissuration. Concernant le deuxième axe d’étude expérimentale, le mortier de laitier activé est comparé avec deux autres mortiers à base de CEM I, pour évaluer le comportement à la corrosion de l’alliage de magnésium. Les observations microscopiques montrent que la corrosion galvanique de l’alliage est particulièrement agressive dans les mortiers à base de CEM I (corrosion localisée se manifestant par des creusements et des microstructures en feuillets) contre une corrosion uniforme, mais faible dans le mortier de laitier alcali-activé. La cinétique de corrosion est déterminée en utilisant des techniques gravimétriques et électrochimiques. Les résultats de ces deux types de mesure sont complémentaires et témoignent également d’une faible corrosion dans le mortier de laitier activé. De plus, ils montrent une certaine passivation du métal au-delà de 6 mois d’enrobage. Cette propriété spécifique du mortier de laitier activé peut être expliquée par une grande résistivité électrique par rapport aux mortiers de CEM I déterminée en analysant les données de spectroscopie d’impédence électrochimiques. Ensuite, des premières simulations simplifiées par éléments finis à l’échelle mésoscopique sont effectuées sur Cast3m, pour modéliser l’effet mécanique du développement de la corrosion sur le mortier d’enrobage. Plusieurs paramètres sont intégrés comme la cinétique de corrosion de l’alliage ainsi que la nature des produits formés et leurs propriétés mécaniques, identifiées par des observations MEB/EDS et nano-indentation. Les résultats indiquent que les contraintes générées dans la matrice d’enrobage n’entrainent pas d’endommagement. / The operation phase of the first generation of nuclear reactors in France has generated magnesium and graphite long lived low-level wastes (LLW-LL). Their conditioning in a hydraulic binder matrix is being addressed. In order to study the behavior of these packages, several coupled mechanisms have to be considered: the magnesium alloy can corrode within the encapsulating matrix, especially when galvanic coupling with the graphite occurs. The corrosion of the metal results in the development of corrosion products. The growth of corrosion products around the metal and the restriction of the hydraulic binder’s delayed strains may lead to the generation of internal stresses. The verification of certain safety requirements (dimensional stability of the package and low hydrogen production) is therefore essential. It requires the development of a numerical model able to predict the behavior of these packages.In particular, a sodium hydroxide activated blast furnace slag mortar is being addressed. It belongs to the family of alkali-activated materials for which the modelling of ageing behavior is rarely approached. Hence, the construction of the numerical model involves a large experimental campaign covering the thermo-chemo-mechanical behavior of the alkali-activated mortar and the corrosion of magnesium in hydraulic binders. Meso-scale homogenization calculations are undertaken in order to determine upscaled properties of the mix (matrix + wastes) and carry out simulations on the scale of the packages.Regarding the first experimental study axis, a relatively low hydration heat is measured. This is beneficial with respect to the internal stress generated from the self-restriction of the thermal strains within massive structures.Nevertheless, the materials undergoes a particular autogenous shrinkage strains showing an increase even at long term. However, its basic creep strains are shown to be important which could result in stress relaxation and avoids damage related to shrinkage restriction.Regarding the metal’s corrosion behavior in the alkali-activated mortar, it is compared to the one in two different ordinary Portland cement (OPC) based mortars. Microscopic observations are conducted on samples especially designed to monitor the galvanic corrosion of the alloy. They show the aggressiveness in OPC mortars (localized corrosion manifested by holes and layered microstructure) against limited homogeneous corrosion in alkali-activated mortar. Additionnaly, corrosion kinetics are determined using different experimental methods: mass loss and electrochemical measurements. The complementary results of these two types of measurements also show a low corrosion in the alkali-activated slag mortar with a passive state of the metal achived at 6 months of embedment. This advantage of slag mortar is explained by a high electrical resistivity with respect to OPC mortars, determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.Finite element simulations are performed using Cast3m software on meso-scale in order to evaluate the mechanical effect of the corrosion layer development on the surrounding matrix. The corrosion kinetics of the alloy, the nature of corrosion products and their mechanical properties identified using SEM/EDS and nano-indentation techniques are implemented. The calculations indicate low stress generation in the alkali-activated mortar.

No description available.

Missing page 48 / <p> The low ambient air temperatures, together with the low annual rainfall and complete lack of vegetation in the Canadian High Arctic, results in a breakdown of the carbonate rock material by mechanical means. The importance of chemical decomposition, soil formation and transport of ionic material in solution is negligible, when compared with the role played by these same processes in more temperate climates. </p> <p> The purpose of this thesis is to investigate certain aspects of the alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metal geochemistry of selected components of the weathering cycle. The discussion will deal with concentration levels of these parameters in stream waters and, to a lesser extent, soils and stream sediments. </p> <p> Analytical results show that element distributions in the streams resemble those of more temperate carbonate terrains. However, the solute levels are, in general, lower, indicating that a greater proportion of the metals is travelling in colloidal form and/or adsorbed to slit-sized material carried by the streams. </p> <p> These findings confirm the belief that chemical weathering and transport in solution are of little importance in the area studied. </p> / Thesis / Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Chlor-alkali electrolysis indicates significant demand response potential, accounting for over 2% of Germany’s total elec-tricity demand. To fully analyze this potential, digital models or digital twins are necessary. In this study, we use the IRPopt modeling framework to develop a digital model of an electrolysis process and examine the cost-optimal load shifting application in the day-ahead spot and balancing reserve market for various price scenarios (2019, 2030, 2040). We also investigate the associated CO2 emissions. Combined optimization at both markets results in greater and more robust cost savings of 16.1% but cannibalizes the savings that are possible through optimization separately at each market. In future scenarios, the shares of savings from spot and reserve market could potentially reverse. CO2 savings between 2.5% and 9.2% appear only through optimization at the spot market and could even turn negative if optimized solely at the reserve market.

No description available.

yes / The present paper reports the testing of 12 alkali-activated mortars and a control ordinary portland cement (OPC) mortar. The main aim is to develop cementless binder activated by sodium silicate powder. An alkali quality coefficient combining the amounts of main compositions of source materials and sodium oxide (Na2O) in sodium silicate is proposed to assess the properties of alkali activated mortars, based on the hydration mechanism of alkali-activated pastes. Fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) were employed as source materials. The ratio of Na2O-to-source material by weight for different mortars ranged between 0.038 and 0.164; as a result, alkali quality coefficient was varied from 0.0025 to 0.0365. Flow loss of fresh mortar, and shrinkage strain, compressive strength and modulus of rupture of hardened mortars were measured. The compressive strength development of alkali activated mortar was also compared with the design equations for OPC concrete specified in ACI 209 and EC 2. Test results clearly showed that the flow loss and compressive strength development of alkali-activated mortar were significantly dependent on the proposed alkali quality coefficient. In particular, a higher rate of compressive strength development achieved at early age for GGBS-based alkali-activated mortar and at long-term age for FA-based alkali-activated mortar. In addition, shrinkage strain and modulus of rupture of alkali-activated mortar were comparable to those of OPC mortar.