The current widespread use of calcium silicate or aluminate hydrate binder systems in the construction industry finds its roots in the Antique world where mixtures of calcined lime and finely ground reactive (alumino-)silicate materials were pioneered and developed as competent inorganic binders. Architectural remains of the Minoan civilization (2000-1500 BC) on Crete have shown evidence of the combined use of slaked lime and additions of finely ground potsherds to produce stronger and more durable lime mortars suitable for water-proof renderings in baths, cisterns and aqueducts (Spence and Cook 1983). It is not clear when and where mortar technology...

Blended cements, where Portland cement clinker is partially replaced by supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), provide the most feasible route for reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with concrete production. However, lowering the clinker content can lead to an increasing risk of neutralisation of the concrete pore solution and potential reinforcement corrosion due to carbonation. carbonation of concrete with SCMs differs from carbonation of concrete solely based on Portland cement (PC). This is a consequence of the differences in the hydrate phase assemblage and pore solution chemistry, as well as the pore structure and transport properties, when varying the binder composition, age and curing conditions of the concretes. The carbonation mechanism and kinetics also depend on the saturation degree of the concrete and CO₂ partial pressure which in turn depends on exposure conditions (e.g. relative humidity, volume, and duration of water in contact with the concrete surface and temperature conditions). This in turn influence the microstructural changes identified upon carbonation. This literature review, prepared by members of RILEM technical committee 281-CCC carbonation of concrete with supplementary cementitious materials, working groups 1 and 2, elucidates the effect of numerous SCM characteristics, exposure environments and curing conditions on the carbonation mechanism, kinetics and structural alterations in cementitious systems containing SCMs.