The Application of a New Oxidation Mortar Bar Test to Mixtures containing Different Cementing Systems

The effects of different cementing systems on the expansion of mortars containing iron sulphide-bearing aggregate was studied. Using a recently developed oxidation mortar bar test, the results showed that cementing systems containing low-calcium fly ash, metakaolin, slag, high-sulphate resisting Portland cement, or low heat of hydration Portland cement could reduce the expansion by 50–85%. The main suggested mechanisms behind the reduced expansion is the more refined pore structure of samples with SCMs, and the reduced C3A of low heat of hydration Portland cement. The refined pore structure reduces the permeation of the oxidizing solution into the samples. The similarity of this to penetration of oxygen into concrete under field exposure needs to be determined. Soaking the samples for >3 h in the oxidizing agent can produce excessive expansion – not related to oxidation of iron sulphide phases – in samples with cementing blends containing reactive alumina such as metakaolin.

The Application of a New Oxidation Mortar Bar Test to Mixtures containing Different Cementing Systems

The effects of different cementing systems on the expansion of mortars containing iron sulphide-bearing aggregate was studied. Using a recently developed oxidation mortar bar test, the results showed that cementing systems containing low-calcium fly ash, metakaolin, slag, high-sulphate resisting Portland cement, or low heat of hydration Portland cement could reduce the expansion by 50–85%. The main suggested mechanisms behind the reduced expansion is the more refined pore structure of samples with SCMs, and the reduced C3A of low heat of hydration Portland cement. The refined pore structure reduces the permeation of the oxidizing solution into the samples. The similarity of this to penetration of oxygen into concrete under field exposure needs to be determined. Soaking the samples for >3 h in the oxidizing agent can produce excessive expansion – not related to oxidation of iron sulphide phases – in samples with cementing blends containing reactive alumina such as metakaolin.

The Application of a New Oxidation Mortar Bar Test to Mixtures containing Different Cementing Systems

The effects of different cementing systems on the expansion of mortars containing iron sulphide-bearing aggregate was studied. Using a recently developed oxidation mortar bar test, the results showed that cementing systems containing low-calcium fly ash, metakaolin, slag, high-sulphate resisting Portland cement, or low heat of hydration Portland cement could reduce the expansion by 50–85%. The main suggested mechanisms behind the reduced expansion is the more refined pore structure of samples with SCMs, and the reduced C3A of low heat of hydration Portland cement. The refined pore structure reduces the permeation of the oxidizing solution into the samples. The similarity of this to penetration of oxygen into concrete under field exposure needs to be determined. Soaking the samples for >3 h in the oxidizing agent can produce excessive expansion – not related to oxidation of iron sulphide phases – in samples with cementing blends containing reactive alumina such as metakaolin.

Activated Clays and Their Potential in the Cement Industry

The thermal activation of clays to produce highly reactive artificial pozzolans on a large scale is one of the most important technologies developed on an industrial scale to reduce CO2 emissions in cement manufacture. This technical document deals with the scientific basis for the thermal activation of clays to produce an extraordinarily high quality supplementary cementitious material (SCM) based on the contents of its hydraulic factors, reactive silica (SiO2r–) and reactive alumina (Al2O3r–). The production process and the optimization of its use in the new cements offers better performance, features and durability. Furthermore, its mixture with Portland cement is much more appropriate when carried out in a blending station after both components, activated clay and Portland cement, are ground separately and not jointly in a single mill.

Role of supplementary cementing materials on reducing damage due to internal sulphate attack in concrete

The effect of supplementary cementing materials (SCM) on internal sulphate attack in mortars was evaluated. Different types and levels of SCM were investigated where a mixture of hemihydrate and calcium carbonate fillers were used in the mixtures as a source of sulphate and carbonate, respectively. In addition, mixtures containing aggregates with high sulphate content were also examined to understand the role of sulphate from aggregate on the expansion. It has been found that the internal sulphate attack can be reduced through the use of SCM with high reactive alumina such as Metakaolin. It was hypothesised that the beneficial effect of Metakaolin lies in its ability to reduce ion mobility within the matrix, and perhaps raise the alumina/sulphur in the system favoring the formation of non-expansive monosulphoaluminate. However, at high levels of sulphate, none of the SCM provided successful protection against internal sulphate attack.

Role of supplementary cementing materials on reducing damage due to internal sulphate attack in concrete

The effect of supplementary cementing materials (SCM) on internal sulphate attack in mortars was evaluated. Different types and levels of SCM were investigated where a mixture of hemihydrate and calcium carbonate fillers were used in the mixtures as a source of sulphate and carbonate, respectively. In addition, mixtures containing aggregates with high sulphate content were also examined to understand the role of sulphate from aggregate on the expansion. It has been found that the internal sulphate attack can be reduced through the use of SCM with high reactive alumina such as Metakaolin. It was hypothesised that the beneficial effect of Metakaolin lies in its ability to reduce ion mobility within the matrix, and perhaps raise the alumina/sulphur in the system favoring the formation of non-expansive monosulphoaluminate. However, at high levels of sulphate, none of the SCM provided successful protection against internal sulphate attack.