Structural and durability properties of hydraulic lime–pozzolan concretes

This paper discusses the results of a suite of tests designed to assess the structural and durability characteristics of hydraulic lime–pozzolan concretes. Specifically, this paper reports on the rate of strength development, elastic modulus, linear shrinkage and rate of carbonation of four hydraulic-lime–pozzolan concretes. The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain the technical feasibility of producing high strength concretes using hydraulic lime and pozzolans as an alternative binder to Portland cement. Results have demonstrated that 28-day compressive cube strengths of 35 MPa can be attained by water-cured lime–pozzolan concretes. The results are presented alongside comparable test results for Portland-cement (CEMI) and blastfurnace cement (CIII/A) concretes. Similarities and differences in material characteristics are discussed in terms of fundamental material properties and in terms of the emergent threats and opportunities for the potential development of these novel concretes.     

Influence of spent catalyst used for catalytic cracking in a fluidized bed on sulphate corrosion of cement mortars: I. Na2SO4 medium

The aim of the work was to determine the effect of spent catalytic cracking in a fluidized bed (FBCC), catalyst used for as a partial substitute for cement or sand, and of sodium sulphate solutions of concentration 16,000 or 52,000 mg SO₄²⁻/dm³ on the mechanism of sulphate corrosion and on expansion of mortars compacted according to prENV 196-10, as well as on mechanical strength of mortars compacted according to the Polish Standard PN-EN 196-1. The observations indicate that the sulphate corrosion of the mortars proceeds via at least two different mechanisms depending on the concentration of sodium sulphate solution and on the concentration and form of pozzolanic additive used. The extent of corrosion damage depends mainly on the concentration of the aggressive solution and on the degree of compaction of the mortar. No unequivocal correlation was found between the expansion of mortars compacted according to prENV 196-10 and the mechanical strength of mortars compacted according to PN-EN 196-1. The greatest expansion was observed in mortars, which did not exhibit the lowest compressive strength. Therefore, it is questionable to use the measure of elongation, particularly in poorly compacted mortar samples, as the sole standard method for determining resistance to sulphate corrosion in sodium sulphate media.     

Pozzolanic activity of various siliceous materials

The accelerated pozzolanic activity of various siliceous materials, like silica fume, fly ash (as received and fine ground), quartz, precipitated silica, metakaolin and rice husk ash (RHA; various fineness and carbon content), has been determined. The compressive strength of accelerated tests has been compared with cubes cured in water at 7 and 28 days. Maximum activity has been observed in case of RHA (<45 μ), followed by quartz and silica fume. The 10% replacement of cement by sand has shown accelerated pozzolanic index of 92% compared with 85% required in ASTM for silica fume as mineral admixture.     

Effect of large amounts of natural pozzolan addition on properties of blended cements

In this study, the effects of 35, 45, and 55 wt.% natural pozzolan addition on the properties of blended cement pastes and mortars were investigated. Blended cements with 450 m²/kg Blaine fineness were produced from a Turkish volcanic tuff in a laboratory mill by intergrinding portland cement clinker, natural pozzolan, and gypsum. The cements were tested for particle size distribution, setting time, heat of hydration, compressive strength, alkali-silica activity, and sulfate resistance. Cement pastes were tested by TGA for Ca(OH)₂ content and by XRD for the crystalline hydration products. The compressive strength of the mortars made with blended cements containing large amounts of natural pozzolan was lower than that of the portland cement at all tested ages up to 91 days. Blended cements containing large amounts of pozzolan exhibited much less expansion with respect to portland cement in accelerated alkali-silica test and in a 36-week sulfate immersion test.     

Investigation of blended cement hydration by isothermal calorimetry and thermal analysis

Hydration of portland cement pastes containing three types of mineral additive; fly ash, ground-granulated slag, and silica fume was investigated using differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA) and isothermal calorimetry. It was shown that the chemically bound water obtained using DTA/TGA was proportional to heat of hydration and could be used as a measure of hydration. The weight loss due to Ca(OH)₂ decomposition of hydration products by DTA/TGA could be used to quantify the pozzolan reaction. A new method based on the composition of a hydrating cement was proposed and used to determine the degree of hydration of blended cements and the degree of pozzolan reaction. The results obtained suggested that the reactions of blended cements were slower than portland cement, and that silica fume reacted earlier than fly ash and slag.