Updating Specifications and Building Codes to Enable Low Carbon Concrete
Specifying Contemporary Concrete
Specifying concrete is not complicated. Engineers need only identify the performance required for each application and communicate it. It's that simple. If the concrete requires special properties, such as sulfate resistance, see “Special Concrete Properties” below.
Complete Specification Review
For a complete review of your concrete specifications, to include recommendations on cements, SCMs, admixtures, finishes, temperature and weather-related concerns, as well as environmental performance, contact Nathan Forrest for a free consultation.
Low Carbon Concrete Building Codes
Many jurisdictions are beginning to require Low Carbon Concrete and many more are in the investigation phase of their code change process. This process requires input form many stakeholders and can greatly benefit from the input of industry experts.
Code Language, Scope, and Benchmark Determination
In order to develop language for a Low Carbon Concrete Code, determinations must be made regarding which projects the code will apply to, what types of concrete are covered, how code conformance will be determined, and many other factors.
The development and implementation of Low Carbon Concrete Codes also requires gaining an understanding of what the local ready mixed concrete industry does and what they're capable of as well as what materials are available to them, both currently and in the future. Expertise and experience are needed to do this in a way that the developed code demonstrates carbon reductions while still allowing the construction and improvement of buildings and infrastructure.
Building Code Consultation
CNCA Technical Director Nathan Forrest was an active participant in the development of the 2022 Intervening Cycle updates to the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) Part 11, Title 24, to be effective July 1, 2024 statewide. He is also an active member of The American Concrete Institute 323 Code Committee on Low Carbon Concrete - to be published in 2024. For free consultation on the topic of Low Carbon Concrete code development for your agency, contact Nathan Forrest.
Connect with a CNCA Expert
Nathan Forrest, P.E., ENV SP
Technical Director
