Leveraging the use of carbonated water for sustainable low-carbon cements

The sustainability of the construction industry has been significantly enhanced by the development and use of low-carbon cements. However, achieving net-zero emissions requires more than just reducing embodied carbon of cements; it necessitates the adoption of effective carbon sequestration methods. Although various strategies for incorporating carbon sequestration into construction materials have been explored, the use of carbonated water in low-carbon cement systems remains less-researched. This study investigates the impact of adding carbonated water to two key low-carbon cement types: Slag-based cement (80% cement replacement) and Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3, 50% cement replacement). The findings show that carbonated water improves CO2 binding, increases early-age strength, and reduces setting times compared to traditional Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) systems. These results demonstrate the potential of carbonated water to enhance the sustainability of low-carbon cements and provide a foundation for further research on its role in carbon sequestration within the construction sector.