Standardization of new cements and concrete additions, of recycled concrete, and of performance‐based concrete in Switzerland

Abstract

In Switzerland innovative cement and concrete concepts have a long tradition. In 1994, the SIA 162/4 recommendation “Recycled concrete” was published, which in 2010 was transferred into SIA 2030. It regulates the use of concrete rubble and mixed demolition waste as aggregate, primarily in concrete for building construction. In 2021, it was revised with the introduction of E‐modulus classes and the allowance of aggregates from treatment. The SIA 2049 “Requirements for new cements” from 2014 regulated low‐clinker cements with new constituents. In 2025, it was transferred into SIA 215/1, which regulates the requirements for new constituents and cements, that are not standardized in the EN 197 series. Moreover, the SIA 215/2 “Requirements for new additions for concrete” was published, enabling the use of new inorganic materials as concrete additions. Finally, the National Annex ND to the concrete standard SN EN 206, which is in effect since February 2025, regulates the performance‐based concrete design according to the equivalent concrete performance concept (ECPC). In this paper, the standards are discussed and supported with examples from the Swiss market.