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Cementitious Materials in Concrete: Performance & Sustainability
Provides an overview of the manufacturing, characteristics, and performance properties of cements and Supplementary Cementitious Materials in concrete and how they can enhance concrete performance, including a discussion on their role in sustainable construction.
Upon completion of this course, the Learner should be able to:
- Differentiate between the manufacturing processes, sources, and standards for portland cement, blended and performance cements, and Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs).
- Compare some of the physical, plastic, and hardened characteristics of cement and SCMs and how they may influence concrete performance.
- Discuss how the cement industry has been pursuing reduced environmental impact in its manufacturing processes.
- Explain concrete effectiveness with respect to thermal mass and positive impacts on the energy required to achieve thermal comfort.
- Define the potential benefits of SCMs in sustainable construction.
Approximately 1 hour. Delivered online, at your own pace.
Presented by Barry Descheneaux on behalf of Holcim (US) Inc.. View the Privacy Policy .
Presenter Information

Name: Barry Descheneaux
Title: Manager of Product Support and Development, Holcim (US), Inc.
Background: Barry Descheneaux, LEED AP, is the Manager of Product Support and Development for Holcim (US) Inc., based in Dundee, Michigan.
Barry has been involved in the concrete and cement industry since 1985. He began his career in the ready mix concrete industry in plant operations and quality control. He joined Holcim in 1997 as Technical Service Engineer, then became a Product Specialist in their Mineral Components Division concentrating on the use of supplementary cementitious materials. Since 2003 he has worked as Manager of Product Support and Development, coordinating product research, development, and training for Holcim.
Barry has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wisconsin- Platteville. He is a member of a number of national standards committees related to cement and concrete, including ASTM C 09 on Concrete and Aggregates as well as ASTM E 60 on Sustainability.