In this research, formulae for predicting compressive strength and global warming potential (GWP) per
cubic meter of concrete are proposed. These equations allow for prediction of properties based on the
water-to-binder ratio for concrete mixtures containing cement as the only binder, as well as for concretes
containing Class F fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) as partial cement replacement.
To meet multi-criteria demands of mechanical properties and lower GWP, a method for obtaining
the optimal water-to-binder ratio, for given replacement level, is presented. In this research, optimization
is based on a direct ratio of GWP to compressive strength, but the methodology has the potential to be
extended to other environmental impact categories and material property relationships. For the classes
of concrete examined, the analyses showed that high levels of cement replacement with GGBS may
provide the best, hence resulting in the lowest, ratio of GWP to compressive strength for the mixtures
examined. Additionally for the classes of concrete examined, the results showed that optimal waterto-binder
ratios for the best ratio of GWP to compressive strength occurred at relatively high strengths
(50–70 MPa). Yet, the majority of concrete used in countries such as the U.S. is lower strength concrete
(