Chemical emissions from concrete

Abstract: The major part of this work deals with a new method for quantification of VOCs in concrete. There is a need for this type of quantification due to the development in cement and concrete production using plasticizing agents and fillers for improved rheological properties, and alternative fuels and waste materials to reduce the environmental impact of cement production. Measurements are needed to show that these actions do not influence the emissions from the products. Quantification by using multiple headspace extraction gas chromatography (MHE GC) is a fast and simple method. The samples are prepared of crushed concrete, put in sealed vials and repeated measurements are performed by incubation in temperatures above 100 degrees C for 45 minutes and headspace gas are extracted from the vial into the gas chromatograph for separation and detection of the VOCs. The method is calibrated by measuring known amounts of VOCs added to empty vials. This work is reported in the first paper and then continued in the second paper appended to the thesis.