Development of Strength and Elastic Properties in Slag Cement Concretes Under Low Temperature Curing Conditions

Abstract

This paper will discuss that within-mixer blending of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and ordinary portland cement (PC) to modify the hydration and durability characteristics of the cementitious binder is well established. Previous published work on the early strength development of concrete containing fly ash or slag has avoided combining low curing temperatures with low OPC content mixes, or has not applied the low temperatures continuously from casting. An investigation is in progress on the effects of low temperature (fixed and cycled) curing of concretes containing slags from two sources. The work examines the influence of a range of curing temperatures and mix proportions upon strength and elastic properties. This paper presents findings from the fixed temperature curing part of the research, in which specimens were manufactured from mixes with three cementitious contents and three OPC/GGBS blends at a constant water content.