Accelerated carbonation curing of concrete incorporating calcium carbide residue

The synergic effect of accelerated carbonation curing and cement replacement by calcium carbide residue (CCR) on the carbon sequestration potential and performance of concrete was examined. The concrete mixes included 0, 5, 10, and 20 % (by mass) CCR as partial cement replacement and were subjected to different initial air curing durations (0, 4, and 20 h) and subsequent carbonation curing durations (4 and 20 h). The performance was evaluated based on the CO2 uptake, 1-, 7-, and 28-day compressive strengths, and volume of permeable voids. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) imaging was used to characterize the microstructure of the carbonated concrete. The environmental footprint of concrete produced herein was assessed. The experimental results showed that using CCR enhanced the CO2 uptake of concrete, with 5 and 10 % replacement levels providing superior outcomes in concrete subjected to 4- and 20-h carbonation curing. The compressive strength and a volume of permeable voids improved upon replacing cement with 5 % CCR. Such findings were validated by examining the void space in the SEM micrographs. Furthermore, prolonging the initial air curing and carbonation durations to 20 h each and incorporating 20 % CCR resulted in the highest CO2 uptake and lowest carbon footprint. Among the developed mixes, the most suitable was the mix subjected to 20 h of each initial air curing and carbonation curing with 20 % CCR replacement by mass. Nevertheless, all developed mixes satisfy the minimum strength requirement for concrete masonry unit applications. •A carbonation-cured concrete containing calcium carbide residue (CCR) was produced.•The incorporation of CCR increased the CO2 uptake and compressive strength.•Higher CCR content required longer carbonation durations to maximize the CO2 uptake.•The environmental footprint of concrete was reduced by 35 % with CCR replacement and carbonation curing.•All mixes satisfied the strength requirements of concrete masonry unit applications.