Role of supplementary cementiteous materials in mitigating heat of hydration in mass concrete elements

Abstract

Concrete’s heat of hydration can cause wide restraint cracks, delayed ettringite formation and low strength. The heat of hydration in concrete poses significant challenges in the construction industry particularly in mass concrete elements. Addressing these challenges, the utilization of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) in concrete has been extensively studied for their individual contributions in modifying the heat of hydration. However, the comparative effectiveness of FA and GBFS, as well as the implications of their combined use in a ternary blend mix, remain underexplored. This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the heat evolution profiles of concrete blends incorporating varying proportions of FA, GBFS, and general Portland cement (GPC). Through a series of semi-adiabatic tests, the study evaluates the hydration kinetics, maximum temperature rise, and time delay to peak temperature for binary and ternary mixes. The findings suggest that while individual SCMs like FA and GBFS offer distinct thermal benefits, their combined use in a ternary blend presents a synergistic effect, optimizing heat management in concrete. In essence, this study not only underlines the potential of ternary blends in enhancing concrete's thermal performance but also emphasizes their role in promoting sustainable and resilient construction practices.