Hydration of Cement Minerals in a Hydraulic Dolomitic Binder

Abstract

Dolomitic Roman cement was a widely used binder for construction purposes during the late 19th/ early 20th century in territory of Latvia. Because of its hydraulic properties and fast setting it was especially favorable for the usage for the cast elements of Art Nouveau style facades. The production of the material was discontinued in the middle of the 20th century. Nevertheless, there is a need of compatible material for restoration purposes that is not currently commercially available. A compatible binder has been synthesized from mixture of dolomite flour and clay. The research gives an insight of the ongoing chemical processes during the hydration of the cement minerals in the binder. The influence of clay content in compositions and of firing temperature on the physico-chemical properties and mineralogical composition of obtained material is estimated.