Thermo-mechanical properties of sand and high volume mineral admixtures

Abstract

The effects of sand, high volume class C fly ash, blast furnace slag and both fly ash+blast furnace slag on the thermal conductivity were studied. In addition, influence of these mineral admixtures on density, water absorption, and compressive strength at different curing periods were studied. Fifty and 70% fly ash and blast furnace slag replaced for cement for both cement paste and mortar. Thermal conductivity decreased with the increase of fly ash and blast furnace slag as replacement for cement. The reductions in the thermal conductivity due to fly ash and blast furnace slag were respectively up to 54 and 21% for mortar, and 60 and 31% for cement paste. Both fly ash and blast furnace slag had a decreasing effect on thermal conductivity. Sand increased thermal conductivity of cement paste up to 83%. Fly ash and blast furnace slag decreased compressive strength, and increased water absorption as a function of replacement percent. Reduction in compressive strength decreased with increasing curing period and blast furnace slag increased compressive strength 6% at 120-day curing period.