Cement CEM Research Articles

Toward clima-resilient ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC): A survey on high-strength mortars engineered with extra-low dosage graphene-based materials (GBMs)

Latest advances showed that ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) holds the potential to meet the criteria of future civil infrastructures. Several nanofillers (NFs) proved to enhance the performance of UHPC in terms of economic and environmental sustainability and even assigning novel features. Presently, this promising approach is still in its early stage. In this perspective, mortars based on Portland cement CEM I 52.5 N were engineered with extra-low dosage (0.01% by weight of cement) graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) or nanographite (nG). An acrylic superplasticizer for high-strength concrete was used as additive. Fresh properties of the cementitious admixtures were characterized by viscosity measurements, flow table and bleeding tests. Prismatic specimens were hardened in water at room temperature for 28 days. Microstructure was observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, the pore structure and specific surface area (SSA) investigated by Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements, thermal behavior studied by thermogravimetry, and mechanical strength evaluated by compression and bending tests. Electrical resistivity was determined by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). Both 2D-NFs induced a slight lubricant effect that did not significantly affect neither workability nor bleeding. GNPs do not appreciably impact on the mechanical properties of the hardened nano-engineered materials, a decay of bending strength was observed only for nG-loaded samples. The positive impact of the extra-low dosage GNPs on the hardened mortars was clearly detected by MIP and EIS in terms of reduced porosity (−31%), improved bulk density (+5.7%), pore refining (median and average pore diameter −35% and −9%, respectively), increased resistivity (+97%) and lowered predicted intrinsic permeability (−52%). In the same experimental condition, nG-engineered mortars suffered from uneven dispersion that led to increased porosity and pore coarsening.

Novel application of potassium methylsiliconate in cement-based materials: Retarding of hydration process and improvement of compressive strength

The presented research investigates the application of the organosilicon compound named potassium methylsiliconate (MESI) as a set-retarding admixture for cement-based materials which also provides the strengthening effect. The study concerns the impact of three dosages of MESI (1%, 2% and 3% per cement mass) on the properties of the cement paste, mortar and concrete. The greatest delay of the setting time of cement CEM I 42.5 R and retardation effect, examined by manual Vicat apparatus, was observed for addition of 1% methylsiliconate. The beginning of the setting was prolonged to 23 h. The influence of potassium methylsiliconate on the kinetics of cement hydration was investigated by isothermal calorimetry. The calorimetric results disclosed significant extension of induction period during Portland cement hydration with addition of potassium methylsiliconate as an admixture. It is especially visible in case of addition of 1% of MESI. Moreover, tests performed at 30 °C, 40 °C and 50 °C showed that MESI can also delay the cement hydration at higher temperatures. The influence of potassium methylsiliconate on the compressive strength of cement mortar and concrete after 1, 2, 7, 28 days and72 days was also investigated. In the first days of hydration, the compressive strength of the materials was reduced, but after 28 days of curing the compressive strength was increased by 21% and 16% for cement mortar and concrete, respectively. The impact of MESI on the microstructure and pore size distribution of cement pastes in 2nd, 7th and 28th of hydration was examined by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The result showed significant delay in the development of the cement pastes microstructure during the first days of hydration. The XRD and DTA/TG analysis provided the knowledge about impact of siliconate on the composition and formation of the cement phases. Both, the XRD and DTGA/TG analyze showed noticeable changes in portlandite formation during the first days of hydration. The conducted research and obtained results reveal the innovative and novel application of potassium methylsiliconate as retarders, which prolongs the workability of fresh mixture and improves the compressive strength of matured concrete and mortar. This admixtures can be a competitive alternative to traditional retarders.

STRENGTH OF CONCRETE FOR BASES OF ROAD CLOTHES ON DIFFERENT TYPES OF SECONDARY GRAVEL AND SAND

The task of developing of concrete for the bases of road clothing using secondary concrete aggregates is relevant for an economic and ecological reasons. The properties of concrete were compared with different types of coarse aggregate of 8-16 mm fraction: granite river gravel, secondary crushed stone from recycled reinforced concrete structures, secondary crushed stone from recycled brickwork and ceramic tiles. Three types of sand with a fraction of 0-4 mm were also used: quartz, secondary sand from recycled reinforced concrete structures, secondary sand from recycled brickwork. 2 series of experiments were conducted. During the first series of experiments Portland cement CEM II/B-S 32.5 R and superplasticizer Soudal Soudaplast was used (1% from weight of cement). For the second series of experiments Portland cement CEM II/B-S 42.5 R and superplasticizer Berament HT28 was used (1.2% from weight of cement). The mobility of all mixtures was equal to S1. Concretes with Berament HT28 superplasticizer had a lower W/C ratio of mixture than concretes with similar aggregates composition and Soudal Soudaplast superplasticizer. The use of secondary crushed stone requires an increasing of the W/C ratio of the mixture. The simultaneous use of secondary sand additionally increases W/C. Due to the lower W/C, the concretes of the second series have a higher average density than the similar concretes of the first series of the experiment. Concretes based on granite gravel and quartz sand have the highest average density (2369-2465 kg/m3). When using secondary crushed stone from reinforced concrete structures, the average density decreases by 3-5%. When using secondary crushed stone from brickwork and ceramic tiles – decreases by 8-9%. Concretes based on secondary crushed stone and sand from reinforced concrete structures have a 6-9% lower average density compared to concretes on granite gravel. Concretes based on secondary crushed stone and sand from recycled brickwork and ceramic tiles have the lowest average density – from 2015 to 2061 kg/m3. Due to the use of higher grade cement and a more effective superplasticizer, the strength of the concretes of the second series of the experiment at the age of 3 days was 69-190% higher than the strength of similar concretes of the first series, at the age of 28 days – higher by 67 to 147%. When using quartz sand, concrete based on secondary crushed stone from reinforced concrete structures has the greatest strength. At the age of 3 days up to 17.97 MPa and 30.33 MPa, at the design age (28 days) up to 32.07 and 53.41 MPa for the first and second series, respectively. The lowest strength (about 16 MPa in the first series of experiments and 27 MPa in the second) had concretes using only low-strength secondary aggregates from recycled brickwork and ceramic tiles. In general, all the studied concretes on secondary aggregates were characterized by sufficient strength for their use in the bases of hard road clothes.

Research on the Effect of Fire Thermal Energy on the Microstructure and Properties Mechanical of Fiber-Reinforced Cement Mortars

Cement mortar is made of a combination of cement, sand, and water, mixed in the right proportions. It is ideal for erecting walls and masonry structures, including those that must bear heavy loads. In addition, it is used in places that are exposed to higher humidity and in facilities located below ground level. The potential uses of a mortar are determined by material modification. The aim of the experimental studies was to evaluate the effect of high temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cement mortars modified with polypropylene fiber. The novelty of this study is an attempt to compare the use of different types of polypropylene fibers in mortars heated at different temperatures. Cement mortars based on Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R with a constant content of three types of fibers in the amount of 0.9 kg/m3 were designed. The samples were cured and then heated in an oven at 300, 500 and 700 °C. The functional properties of cement mortars, i.e., density, flexural and compressive strength after 28 and 56 days of maturation, as well as flexural and compressive strength at elevated temperature, were determined using samples of 40 × 40 × 160 mm. By modifying cement mortars with fibers, it is possible to obtain a cement composite with good strength parameters which is, at the same time, resistant to high temperature.

Modeling the durability of novel cementitious materials prepared with CEM II/C-M exposed to drying and carbonation

The behavior upon exposure to CO2 of novel cementitious materials prepared with a low clinker cement CEM II/C-M (S-LL) is investigated in this paper. A simplified carbonation model considering the dissolution of a combined Ca-containing hydrate phase (CH, C-S-H, ettringite, monocarbonate, and Si-hydrogarnet) and the precipitation of calcite according to the evolution of phase assemblages calculated with thermodynamic modeling is applied to simulate accelerated carbonation tests in the laboratory. The dissolution rate of the Ca-containing hydrate phase is assumed to be determined by the water saturation degree, the partial pressure of CO2, and the fraction of its remaining volume compared to the initial one, which provides a way to predict the precipitation rate of calcite. Two mass conservation equations are considered in the model: water migration through the connected pores and diffusion of carbon dioxide in gaseous phases. Selected physical variables representative of the reactive transport properties are quantified from experimental measurements, including dynamic vapor sorption tests and drying experiments. The model response is compared to experimental data in terms of portlandite profiles from thermogravimetric analysis, and carbonation depth measurements using a pH indicator after specific times of accelerated carbonation. These experiments were also performed on a reference mortar prepared with the CEM II/A-S cement. All experimental results were simulated with the simplified carbonation model and the results compared to the response of the novel material.

In vitro analysis of durability of S-PRG filler-containing composite crowns for primary molar restoration.

To evaluate the reliability, maximum principal stress, shear stress, and crack initiation of a computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) resin composite (RC) incorporating surface pre-reacted glass (S-PRG) filler for primary molar teeth. Mandibular primary molar crowns fabricated by experimental (EB) or commercially available CAD/CAM RCs (HC) were prepared and cemented to a resinous abutment tooth using an adhesive resin cement (Cem) or a conventional glass-ionomer cement (CX). These specimens were subjected to a single compressive test (n=5/each) and the step-stress accelerated life testing (SSALT) (n=12/each). Data was evaluated using Weibull analyses and reliability was calculated. Afterwards, the maximum principal stress and crack initiation point of each crown was analyzed by finite element analysis. To evaluate bonding of EB and HC to dentin, microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing was conducted using primary molar teeth (n=10/each). There was no significant difference between the fracture loads of EB and HC for either cement (p>0.05). The fracture loads of EB-CX and HC-CX were significantly lower than EB-Cem and HC-Cem (p<0.05). The reliability at 600N for EB-Cem was greater than that for EB-CX, HC-Cem, and HC-CX. The maximum principal stress concentrated on EB was lower than that on HC. The shear stress concentrated in the cement layer for EB-CX was higher than that for HC-CX. There was no significant difference among the μTBSs of EB-Cem, EB-CX, HC-Cem, and HC-CX (p>0.05). The crowns fabricated with the experimental CAD/CAM RC incorporating S-PRG filler yielded greater fracture loads and reliability than the crowns manufactured with commercially available CAD/CAM RC regardless of the luting materials. These findings suggest that the experimental CAD/CAM RC crown may be clinically useful for the restoration of primary molars.

Influence of partial replacement of cement CEM I 42.5R by milled limestone on the propeties of cement pastes and mortars

Przedmiotem artykułu jest analiza właściwości zaczynu i zaprawy przygotowanych z mieszaniny cementu portlandzkiego CEM I 42,5R (CEM I) i mielonego wapienia (ML) w ilości 5%, 15%, 30%, 35%, 40% i 50% masy spoiwa. Badania właściwości zaczynów cementowych obejmowały ciepło hydratacji, konsystencję normową i początek czasu wiązania. W przypadku zapraw cementowych określono ich wytrzymałość na ściskanie. Ze wzrostem udziału wapienia następuje zmniejszenie szybkości wydzielania ciepła hydratacji. Cement zawierający do 35% ML wykazuje zbliżony czas początku wiązania w stosunku do cementu kontrolnego, natomiast przy udziale 40% i 50% ML czas początku wiązania ulega wyraźnemu skróceniu. Cement z dodatkiem 5% i 15% ML osiąga klasę wytrzymałości 42,5R, natomiast cement z dodatkiem 30% i 35% ML – jedynie klasę wytrzymałości 32,5N. Przy dodatku 40% i 50% ML cement nie spełnia wymagań normy PN-EN 197-1:2012 odnośnie klasy wytrzymałości.

Multi-Component Cements for Sealing Casing Columns in Boreholes

Ensuring proper and effective cementing of casing pipe columns in boreholes requires maintaining appropriate technological parameters for the developed slurry recipes. It is also necessary to use technology which guarantees effective displacement of the drilling mud for cement slurry injection into the annular space of the borehole. The most important factors that ensure high efficiency of drilling mud displacement by the cement slurry are, among others, the rheological properties of the liquids involved in the process of cementing the casing columns (drilling mud, cement slurry, buffer liquid). The introduced version of the European cement standard, PN-EN 197-1, includes new types of very economical multi-component cements CEM V/A and CEM V/B, which contain 20–40% Portland clinker with a relatively high content of hydraulic and pozzolanic constituents. They occur in the form of granulated blast furnace slag, natural as well as industrial pozzolans and silica fly ash from the combustion of hard coal. The article presents the results of laboratory tests on the technological parameters of both fresh and hardened cement slurries prepared on the basis of CEM V multi-component cement varieties A and B. These slurries meet the standard technological parameters to a demanding extent, which makes it possible to apply them to cementing columns of casing pipes in deep hole drilling. Their detailed properties can be modified by introducing other mineral additives and chemical admixtures to the cement slurry recipes.

Modification of Concrete Composition Doped by Sewage Sludge Fly Ash and Its Effect on Compressive Strength.

The sustainable development of construction materials is an essential aspect of current worldwide trends. Reusing post-production waste in the building industry has numerous positive effects on the environment. Since concrete is one of the materials that people manufacture and use the most, it will continue to be an integral element of the surrounding reality. In this study, the relationship between the individual components and parameters of concrete and its compressive strength properties was assessed. In the experimental works, concrete mixes with different contents of sand, gravel, Portland cement CEM II/B-S 42.5 N, water, superplasticizer, air-entraining admixture, and fly ash from the thermal conversion of municipal sewage sludge (SSFA) were designed. According to legal requirements in the European Union, SSFA waste from the sewage sludge incineration process in a fluidized bed furnace should not be stored in landfills but processed in various ways. Unfortunately, its generated amounts are too large, so new management technologies should be sought. During the experimental work, the compressive strength of concrete samples of various classes, namely, C8/10, C12/15, C16/20, C20/25, C25/30, C30/37, and C35/45, were measured. The higher-class concrete samples that were used, the greater the compressive strength obtained, ranging from 13.7 to 55.2 MPa. A correlation analysis was carried out between the mechanical strength of waste-modified concretes and the composition of concrete mixes (the amount of sand and gravel, cement, and FA), as well as the water-to-cement ratio and the sand point. No negative effect of the addition of SSFA on the strength of concrete samples was demonstrated, which translates into economic and environmental benefits.

An evaluation of cooling Portland cement mortars exposed to high temperature, by using firefighting foam

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cooling Portland cement mortars exposed to high temperature, with synthetic high-expansion firefighting foam. In this experimental study, mortar samples produced with Portland cement CEM I 42,5R, Rilem-Cembureau sand and tap water were first subjected to water curing for 28, 90 and 180 days and then exposed to 20°C, 150°C, 300°C, 500°C and 700°C for 3 hours, respectively. Cement mortars exposed to high temperatures were cooled with high expansion firefighting foam and the resulting flexural strength and compressive strengths were evaluated according to hydration period and temperature parameters. Subsequently, 180-day cement mortar samples exposed to high temperature were cooled using air, water, and foam cooling methods. It was determined that the air cooling method resulted in a higher compressive strength than water or foam cooling. The flexural strength, compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and mass loss percentage values, obtained by the different cooling methods and exposure temperatures employed, were then analysed. It was determined that samples exposed to 500°C, cooling with firefighting foam, yielded a compressive strength of 9% higher, compared to water cooling. SEM images of 180-day Portland cement mortars exposed to 20°C, 300°C and 700°C and subsequently air, water and foam cooled, respectively, were obtained and analysed.

An experimental study investigating the effects of bentonite clay on mechanical and thermal properties of concrete

Concrete is one of the most popular building materials used in civil engineering applications. In order to reach the sustainability goals and produce more environmental construction materials, replacing some amount of cement in concrete with natural or industrial mineral additives is of great importance. In this research, from 0 to 30% by volume Portland cement (PC) CEM II 42.5R was replaced with bentonite clay (BC) and standard mortar samples were prepared in five different series, including control samples. Artificial aggregates (AA) with powder mixture of 90% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and 10% PC by weight were pelletized through cold-bonded agglomeration process in samples containing bentonite with different proportions. Mechanical tests and thermal conductivity tests have been performed on concrete samples at the age of 28 days. The results show that the compressive strength of the samples with 5% BC are 94.7% higher and the thermal conductivity of the same samples are 31.2% lower compared to the control sample. However, it is revealed that, increasing the amount of bentonite more than 15% decreases the mechanical and thermal properties considerably. The study revealed that the use of natural materials with low environmental impacts has increased the mechanical and thermal properties of construction materials which will provide significant benefits for sustainable construction.

The influence of eggshell powder and limestone on the rheological properties of cement pastes

The paper presents the effect of the powders obtained from egg-shells and limestone on the rheological properties of cement pastes. Both powders were added to Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R, 30% by mass. The higher yield stress and plastic viscosity of the cement pastes prepared with the addition of eggshell powder, compared to the cement pastes made with limestone powder, were explained by the influence of the eggshell membrane and its chemical structure. The membrane, which absorbs water and expands in the cement paste, is causing an increase in rheological parameters. The membrane, which absorbs water and swells in the cement paste, causes an increase in viscosity and thixotropy compared to the neat cement slurry and slurry with limestone meal added as a result of particle bonding.

Modifying Water-Frost Resistance and Mechanical Properties of Lime Mortar Using Siliceous and Fluidised Bed Fly Combusted Ashes Activated with Cement.

The research focuses on pozzolanic additives, which are compatible with traditional lime mortars, and enable the modification of the rheological, physical and mechanical properties of tested composites. It was noted that lime mortars with fluidised bed fly ash require sand without impurities to avoid possible ettringite crystallisation. The work presents siliceous fly ash and fluidised bed combustion fly ash to modify the frost resistance and mechanical properties of traditional lime mortars with and without the addition of cement. The results show better effects using fluidised bed ash. Traditional Portland cement CEM I 42.5R was used to activate ash and increase the results. The possibility of a significant improvement of properties is indicated with a hybrid addition to the lime binder of 15-30% ash (siliceous or fluidised bed ash) and 15-30% cement. Changing the class and type of cement provides an additional opportunity to alter the properties of the composites. For architectural reasons relating to colour, the suitability of lighter fluidised bed ash instead of darker siliceous ash and of white Portland cement instead of the traditional grey cement can be used. The proposed mortars can be the basis for future modifications with admixtures and additives, e.g., metakaolin, polymers, fibres, slag, glass powder and impregnating agents.

Evaluation of metakaolin pozzolan for cement in South Africa

This paper presents findings of an experimental study conducted to evaluate the performance of metakaolin (MK) for potential use as a supplementary cementitious material or cement extender in South Africa. In this study, various proportions consisting of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% MK were incorporated into ordinary Portland cement CEM I 52.5 N, then used to prepare mortar mixtures. Various mechanical and durability properties were measured comprising flowability, compressive strength, pozzolanic activity with lime, drying shrinkage, alkali - silica reaction (ASR) and sulphate resistance. Analytical studies were done using X - ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. It was found that incorporation of 10%–15% MK into Portland cement led to improved flowability, compressive strength increase and lower drying shrinkage, while ASR and sulphate attack processes were effectively mitigated. Results showed that the MK extender satisfied ASTM C618 specified criteria for ‘Class N’ pozzolan. Incorporation of 15% MK into Portland cement also met the requirements categorising the blend as CEM II/A–P 42.5 N cement type of SANS EN 50197–1.

Nanomodified Basalt Fiber Cement Composite with Bottom Ash

Directed control of the process of structure formation of a cement composite from modern positions must be carried out taking into account the synergistic effect of its components. In particular, the cement composite, when applied with pozzolanic additives and fiber reinforcement, is transformed into a more complex material with excellent performance. The aim of the article is to study the combined action of nanomodified basalt fiber (NBF) and bottom ash (BA) as structural elements of concrete. To achieve this aim, a number of tasks were performed, including the development of nanomodified-basalt-fiber–bottom-ash–cement concretes, as well as the study of their fresh, physical and mechanical properties (flowability, average density, compressive and flexural strength, elastic modulus and crack resistance) and durability characteristics (water, frost and abrasion resistance). A series of nanomodified basalt-fiber-reinforced concretes (from 0 to 7 wt.% NBF) were developed, in which the economical Portland cement CEM I 32.5 N was replaced by up to 45 wt.% mechanically activated bottom ash residue (400 m2/kg). An economical superplasticizer with a high water-reducing capacity (35%) made it possible to achieve uniform flowability of the mixes (slump 20–22 cm and slump flow 45–52 cm). The combined effect of BA and NBF provides control over the structure formation of cement materials, which ensures the redistribution of internal stresses from shrinkage deformations throughout the entire volume of the composite; under loading, the process of crack formation slows down, the stress concentration near structural defects decreases, and stresses are redistributed in the microstructure of the cement composite between its components. Perfect values of mechanical properties (compressive strength up to 59.2 MPa, flexural strength up to 17.8 MPa, elastic modulus up to 52.6 GPa, critical stress intensity factor 0.507 MPa m0.5) are explained by the complex action of the ash residue and nanomodified basalt fibers. A mix with 30 wt.% BA and 5 wt.% NBF is characterized by water resistance grade W18, frost resistance class F400 and abrasion resistance 0.59 g/cm2, which confirms the high wear resistance of the developed materials.

Experimental thermophysical dependent mechanical analysis of earth bricks with Canarium schweinfurthii and Cocos nucifera bio-aggregates - A case study in Cameroon

In order to meet sustainable development goals, global policies are strongly oriented towards the recovery of local materials such as agricultural waste. In this context, a new biosourced compressed earth brick (CEB) has been produced with bio-shell aggregates of Cocos nucifera (CN) and Canarium schweinfurthii (CS), added in equal proportions for various mixtures. The main objective is to study, on one hand, the effect of CN and CS aggregates on the mechanical behaviour and the thermo-physical properties of the CEB. On the other hand, durability of CEB was investigated in terms of hydric stability, abrasion resistance and hygro-thermo-mechanical behaviour. Mixtures were prepared using earthen material and 0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% CNCS, with 8 wt% cement CEM II-B-LL 42.5, respectively. Wet and dry compressive strengths are evaluated versus compaction pressure (2.5, 5, 7 and 10 MPa). The increase of CNCS aggregate content induced a reduction of the compressive strength in both wet a\nd dry situations whatever the compaction pressure. The samples with 5 wt % CNCS and 8 wt % cement, however, offered performances close to reference samples without CNCS aggregates. The reverse trend was found for thermal conductivity: thermal conductivity of the bio-sourced CEB is below 1 W·m−2·K−1 which means good insulating performances. It is noted that the modified CEB have relatively low water absorption, which contribute to a good durability. Hygro- and thermo-mechanical tests showed however a quasi-linear decrease of compressive strength when the humidity of the environment increases but also when the temperature rises. At the end, to obtain more accurate properties by prediction, some machine learning models were used.

Combined effect on properties and durability performance of nanomodified basalt fiber blended with bottom ash-based cement concrete: ANOVA evaluation

A control of a cement composite structure formation from modern positions should be carried out taking into account the synergistic effect of its components. The goal of the article is to study the combined effect of nanomodified basalt fiber (NBF) and bottom ash (BA) as structural elements of concrete using a two-factor analysis of variance ANOVA. The tasks for achieving this goal are the development of nanomodified basalt fiber bottom ash-cement concretes, as well as the study of their fresh, physical and mechanical properties (slump, slump flow, average density, compressive and flexural strength, elastic modulus and crack resistance) and durability performances (water, frost, and abrasion resistance). Nanomodified basalt-fiber-reinforced concretes (from 0 to 7 wt % NBF) have been developed, in which the economical Portland cement CEM I 32.5 N is replaced by up to 45 wt % mechanically activated bottom ash (400 m2/kg). Achieving uniform flowability of the compositions (slump 20–22 cm and slump flow 45–52 cm) was carried out by varying the dosage of an economical superplasticizer with a high water-reducing ability (35%). The joint effect of the BA and NBF provides control over the structure formation of cement materials, which ensures the redistribution of internal stresses from shrinkage deformations throughout the entire volume of the composite; during loading, the process of crack formation is retarded, stress concentration near structural defects is reduced, and stresses are redistributed in the microstructure of the cement composite between its components.High values of mechanical properties (compressive strength up to 59.2 MPa, flexural strength up to 17.8 MPa, elastic modulus up to 52.6 GPa, limit stress intensity factor 0.507 MPa m0.5) are explained by the complex effect of bottom ash and nanomodified basalt fibers. For the composition with 30 wt % BA and 5 wt % NBF, W18 water resistance grade, F400 frost resistance grade, and the abrasion resistance of 0.59 g/cm2 were achieved, which characterizes the high durability of the developed materials.

Effect of Date Palm Seed Pod Ash and Eggshell Powder on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Cement Blends

The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of replacing eggshell powder (ESP) with date palm seed pod ash (DPSA), curing age and cement replacement on the properties of cement blended with ESP and/or DPSA on the water consistence, setting times and mortar compressive strengths according to ASTM standards. DPSA was produced by calcining date palm seed pod at 590°C for 8 hours followed by 630°C for 3 hours and the resultant ash was ground and sieve with a 90-micron sieve. Portland limestone cement CEM II 42.5R was employed and replaced by eggshell powder and DPSA at various proportions between 0 – 12.5 wt.% at interval of 2.5 wt.% for consistence and setting times whereas cement replacement was varied between 0 -8 wt.% at interval of 2 wt.% for the mortar compressive strength by using 50 mm cubes with a mixing ratio 1:3:5 (water, binder and sand). DPSA revealed high silica content of 42.75 wt.% with SiO₂+Al₂O₃+Fe₂O₃ < 70% (45.38 wt.%) and hence may not be considered as a good pozzolana whereas ESP revealed a high lime content of 55.45 wt.% and considered a filler respectively using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Results indicated an increase in the water consistence for DPSA cement blend in comparison with control which related to either presence of unburnt carbon, clinker diminution or formation of magnesium hydroxide as a protective layer. Most of the cement blends experienced a diminution in the setting time compared to control except for cement blended with higher DPSA content. The accelerated and retarded setting times could possibly be due to available lime which favors ettringite instead of monosulfate and unburnt carbon present resulting in high water demand. The compressive strengths of both the control and cement experienced increments as curing age progressed with most of the blends exhibiting enhanced strength especially at the later stage at 28 and 60 days in comparison with control PLC. The reason for the enhanced strength at the later stage despite clinker diminution could be attributed to pozzolanic reaction between silica present in DPSA coupled with the available lime present in ESP. The optimal cement replacement of 4 wt.% was observed beyond which cement blends produced slightly lower strength in comparison with control owing to clinker diminution effect and higher water demand due to unburnt carbon present.

ASSESSMENT OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING CHALCEDONITE POWDER AS A COMPONENT OF MORTARS

The article presents the results of the assessment of the possibility of using chalcedonite powder as a partial replacement for cement in mortars. Portland cement CEM I 42.5 R was used as a binder, which was replaced in the amount of 5%, 20%, 35% and 50% with chalcedonite powder. The experimental tests concerned the determination of the technological and mechanical properties of mortars: consistency, air content, compressive and bending strength, supplemented by X-ray diffraction analysis and calorimetric measurements of the pastes. The research results indicate that chalcedonite powder can be used in the production of mortars. The best mechanical properties of tested mortars were obtained in the case of replacing cement with the addition of powder in the amount of 5% and 20%.

Experimental study and classification of natural zeolite pozzolan for cement in South Africa

The present study investigated the performance of South African natural zeolite for potential use as a cement extender. To the best knowledge of the authors, the natural zeolite studied has not been employed before as pozzolan in the cement industry, and its proposed use would be new in concrete construction. In the investigation, mortar mixtures were prepared using ordinary Portland cement CEM I 52,5N blended with 0, 10, 20 and 30% natural zeolite. The effectiveness of natural zeolite was also compared with performance results of mixtures containing 30% fly ash. The tests conducted were workability, compressive strength, pozzolanic activity with lime, drying shrinkage, alkali-silica reaction, and sulphate resistance. Analytical studies were done using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy. It was found that, while incorporation of natural zeolite in cement reduces workability, its effects on mechanical properties and on durability characteristics were superior to those of fly ash, as the former effectively enhanced long-term strength and mitigated drying shrinkage, alkali-silica reaction and sulphate attack. Incorporation of 20% natural zeolite in cement gave an effective overall performance, meeting the ASTM C618 (2015) criteria for Class N pozzolan. Based on EN 197-1 (2000) / SANS 50197-1 (2013), the blend of natural zeolite and ordinary Portland cement met the criteria for its classification as CEM II/A-P 32.5N,R cement type.