The influence of different fine aggregate and cooling regimes on the engineering properties of sulphoaluminate cement mortar after heating

Abstract

Previous experimental studies of sulphoaluminate cement after exposure to high temperatures have mainly concentrated on the resulting reduction of strength. Its behavior when heated continues to attract our attention because a systematic understanding of its heat-induced damage is needed to determine its reusability. The post-heating mechanical properties of sulphoaluminate cement mortar (SACM) made with three different types of fine aggregates after natural air cooling (NAC), water immersion cooling (WIC), and fire extinguisher cooling (FEC) are presented in this paper. Basalt and artificial sand have strong angularity, as indicated by their convexity and Wadell roundness values, which has an impact on improving their strength properties when heated. Convexity and Wadell roundness turn out to be independent, with convexity and circularity in good agreement. In addition, the loss of mechanical properties in river sand mortar was greater when either NAC or FEC was adopted than with WIC. The tests showed that independent of the type of sand, the SACM recovers its strength better when WIC or FEC is used in cooling rather than NAC.