Validating Lower-Carbon Cement Blends for UK Concrete Standards - Phase 2

This project seeks research partners to investigate and validate the use of lower-carbon cement blends containing higher levels of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as calcined clays and limestone. Through laboratory testing and experimentation, the project will determine which cement blend combinations and replacement levels can safely exceed current UK standards (BS 8500:2023, MCHW, DMRB) while maintaining concrete durability and performance. The work aims to reduce dependence on limited-supply materials like Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag and Fly Ash, making sustainable alternatives more accessible. Building on Phase 1 findings, this research will generate technical evidence to support updates to UK concrete standards and enable large-scale deployment of lower-carbon cement blends across the UK's infrastructure sector. Successful outcomes will help decarbonize the concrete industry while ensuring long-term resilience of concrete structures.