Reinforced Cementitious Research Articles

Tensile Test of Chicken Feather Fibre Composite Material and Application

The purpose of this study is to perform the tensile tests on chicken feather fiber composites to evaluate their potential in practical engineering applications. The study employed the experimental method as a laboratory activity, in which chicken feathers fibers were fused with epoxy resin at different ratios of 5%, 10%, 12% and 14% to form composite specimens. In order to find the ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and the modulus of elasticity of the composites, tensile testing of the composites was done according to the the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) D3039 standard test method. Results showed that in as low as 5% cement reinforcement of chicken feathers, the mechanical properties of the resin were greatly improved, with the ultimate tensile strength reaching 48.672 N/mm² and the yield strength being 39.168 N/mm². This shows the promise of using chicken feather fiber composites as strong and light materials that are also eco-friendly for various uses. The discussion topics mentioned the behavior of stress-strain transition from elastic to plastic region on increasing the load, which showed the strength and flexibility of the composites are in essence, the opposite of each other. This study advances the view that there is more development to be done on chicken feather fiber composites to enable them satisfy the standards of various sectors thereby offering an environmentally friendly method in cutting waste and reducing the burden of the environment from synthetic materials.

Study on the adhesive property of sludge-modified magnesium phosphate cement reinforcement coating for steel bars

The synergistic interaction inreinforced concrete systems originates from the strong bond between steel reinforcement and concrete, enabling them to collaborateunder load and optimize structural performance. This study applied various sludge-modified magnesium phosphate cement mixtures to the surfaces of plain round steel bars and ribbed steel bars to prepare steel-reinforced concrete specimens. The characterization of the bond performance of the sludge-modified magnesium phosphate cement reinforcement coating for steel bars and concrete was achieved through analyzing the failure modes, bond strength, and slip values of different groups. Microscopic analysis was performed using a scanning electron microscope. The results revealed that the primary failure mode of the steel-reinforced concrete specimens was steel bar pull-out, with some specimens exhibiting concrete splitting failure. Coating application on plain round steel bars increased bond strength, while on ribbed steel bars, it decreased bond strength. The application of the coating slightly reduced slip values to some extent.

Experimental and theoretical analysis on the thermomechanical properties of functionally graded graphene nanoplatelet reinforced cement composites

Graphene reinforced cement composites (GRCCs) have attracted great attention due to their excellent mechanical and physical properties. Instead of uniform distribution, the functionally graded distribution of graphene fillers can effectively utilize the mechanical and physical properties of the reinforcements while reducing cost. This paper is the first attempt to combine experimental analysis and theoretical modelling to investigate the thermomechanical properties of functionally graded graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) reinforced cement composites (FG-GNPRCCs). Samples with uniform (profile H) and functionally graded (profiles X, O and A) distribution of GNPs were prepared and tested. Among all the FG distribution patterns as involved, profile X exhibited the most pronounced enhancement. Compared to the uniform distribution at room temperature, the loss factor and storage modulus of profile X increased by 19.3 % and 19.5 %, respectively. Based on the effective medium theory (EMT) and Mori-Tanaka (MT) model, a parallel triple-inclusion model was developed to predict the thermal conductivity of GNPRCCs. The effects of coated GNP, agglomeration and the attributes of pores (i.e., size, shape and porosity) on the thermomechanical properties of the composites were considered. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that profile X had the best energy dissipation and the extent of inelastic deformation within the temperature range from −50 °C to 70 °C. In contrast, profile A is beneficial for scenarios that desire a gradual transition and controlled stress along a certain direction.

Assessment of the Mechanical and Microstructural Performance of Waste Kraft Fibre Reinforced Cement Composite Incorporating Sustainable Eco-Friendly Additives

This study investigates the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin as sustainable eco-friendly additives on the properties and behavior of cementitious composite boards, with a focus on mechanical strength, physical properties, and microstructural characteristics. The experimental investigation begins with the characterization of the raw materials, including limestone powder, and metakaolin, to assess their particle sizes, elemental composition, and microstructural features. Cement composite boards were fabricated using an innovatively developed lab-simulated vacuum dewatering process, by varying the proportions of limestone powder and metakaolin as partial replacements for cement, along with waste kraft fibres as reinforcement. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the flexural strength and behaviour of the composite boards according to standardized procedures. A microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the effect of additives on the cementitious matrix, fibrematrix interaction, and hydration products. The findings from the experimental study reveal insights into the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin on the mechanical properties and microstructure of waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Our analysis of the results shows that adding 9% limestone powder as partial cement replacement produces a 24% and 50% enhancement in flexural strength at 7 and 28 days of hydration, while that of metakaolin as partial cement replacement was optimum at 6% with an enhancement of 4% and 36%, respectively, at 7 and 28 days of hydration. The implications of these findings for the development of sustainable cementitious composite are discussed, including the potential benefits of using limestone powder and metakaolin as supplementary cementitious materials in waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Finally, recommendations for optimizing additive proportions are also provided to enhance the understanding and application of these materials in the construction and building industries.

Reinforcement of hydroxyapatite bone cement via thin glycerol-citrate polyester infiltration: Microstructural, mechanical and in-vitro evaluation

The development of calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) incorporating biopolymers, such as thermoplastic polylactides, is known as an efficient strategy to enhance the physico-chemical, biological, and mechanical properties of CPCs. However, the use of thermosetting polyol citrates as fillers in CPCs has rarely been reported. Hence, the main goal of the present work was to produce composite CPCs based on tetracalcium phosphate–monetite cement matrix (C) and glycerol-citrate polyester (GCA) and to thoroughly study the effect of GCA addition on microstructural, micro, and nano-mechanical as well as in-vitro cellular properties of final cement composites. The GCA polymer was synthesized by esterification of glycerol with citric acid and coated on the C cement powder matrix at a concentration of 2.5 wt% by infiltration in ethanol solution. Two systems were prepared, by drying the composite powder at 105 and 170 °C (denoted as GCA/C105 and GCA/C170), while the respective composite cements were produced by mixing the powders with the 2 wt% of NaH2PO4 liquid phase. The results showed that the GCA polyester had no significant effect on the hydrolysis and transformation of the original cement matrix, and the nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (Hap) was found as the main hydration product in all types of cement. The cement setting time decreased slightly with the GCA addition. On the other hand, a significant increase in mechanical properties was reached by introducing the GCA polyester into the CPC matrix, achieving more than a 70 % increase in the compressive strength, and about 50 % and 20 % in micro and nanohardness values compared to that obtained for the original C cement sample. The nanoindentation analysis revealed that the improved compressive strength and hardness were due to the stronger boundaries between the platelet-like hydroxyapatite particles in GCA-doped cements and partially caused by the denser, less porous, and more compact microstructures. The results of in-vitro cytotoxicity testing revealed high proliferation activity of the osteoblastic cells in all cement extracts, providing useful information for designing novel composite cements with the potential to be applied as bone substitute materials.

Energy efficient and sustainable design of a multi-story building based on embodied energy and cost

Sustainable multi-story building designs are gaining increasing attention in light of the green development of the building industry. Recently, many studies have been conducted to determine the optimized embodied energy considering size of structural members and materials strength using a single objective function. In this context, the current study adopted a multi-objective function based on cost and Embodied Energy (EE) for the sustainable design of the entire multi-story building. A BuildingEnergy computer program is used to assess the energy consumption performance of a multi-story reinforcement cement concrete building. Based on the proposed method, an analysis is carried out to compare the optimal solutions for multi-story building. Furthermore, a detailed parametric study was conducted to explore the main factors for energy-efficient column and beam design. The results revealed that with a comparison of the most “carbon-friendly” and “cost-friendly” solutions, an added cost of 6–7% can contribute up to a 13% emission reduction. The sectional dimensions, steel rebar, concrete strengths, cost ratio, building height, and eccentricity remarkably influence sustainable design, cost optimization, and minimum carbon emission. Overall, this study could help to define cost-effective and energy-efficient structural members. Eventually, the EE is confirmed to be a feasible parameter for designing more sustainable multi-story RCC buildings.

Application of Separation Surgery Combined with Radiofrequency Ablation and Bone Cement Strengthening in Thoracolumbar Metastasis.

The spine is a common site for metastatic tumors, with 5%-10% of patients developing epidural spinal cord compression (ESCC), which significantly reduces their quality of life and accelerates the process of death. When total en-bloc spondylectomy (TES) radical surgery does not achieve the desired tumor control, palliative care remains the primary treatment option. Traditional laminar decompression or partial tumor resection can only relieve local compression. Although the surgical trauma and complications are less, these methods cannot effectively address tumor recurrence and secondary compression. Therefore, separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement strengthening was used to treat thoracolumbar metastatic tumors, aiming to achieve good clinical results. In this protocol, the steps and key points of separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement reinforcement for thoracolumbar metastatic tumors are introduced in detail. Meanwhile, the clinical data of 67 cases of thoracolumbar metastatic tumors in our hospital meeting the inclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Different treatment methods divided the patients into two groups: separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement strengthening (group A, 33 cases) and the radiotherapy group (group B, 34 cases). All patients were evaluated using improved Tokuhashi, Tomita, SINS, and ESCC scores before treatment. VAS score, Frankel grading, and Karnofsky scores during different periods of the two treatments were compared to assess the clinical outcomes. Studies have shown that separation surgery combined with radiofrequency ablation and bone cement strengthening can significantly reduce pain, promote neurological function recovery, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life in treating thoracolumbar metastatic tumors.

Static study and numerical simulation of the influence of cement distribution in the upper and lower adjacent vertebrae on sandwich vertebrae in osteoporotic patients: Finite element analysis.

We analyzed the influence of the location of the upper and lower cement on the sandwich vertebrae (SV) by computer finite element analysis. A finite element model of the spinal segment of T11-L1 was constructed and 6 mL of cement was built into T11 and L1 simultaneously. According to the various distributions of bone cement at T11 and L1, the following four groups were formed: (i) Group B-B: bilateral bone cement reinforcement in both T11 and L1 vertebral bodies; (ii) Group L-B: left unilateral reinforcement in T11 and bilateral reinforcement in L1; (iii) Group L-R: unilateral cement reinforcement in both T11 and L1 (cross); (iv) Group L-L: unilateral cement reinforcement in both T11 and L1 (ipsilateral side). The maximum von Mises stress (VMS) and maximum displacement of the SV and intervertebral discs were compared and analyzed. The maximum VMS of T12 was in the order of size: group B-B < L-B < L-R < L-L. Group B-B showed the lowest maximum VMS values for T12: 19.13, 18.86, 25.17, 25.01, 19.24, and 20.08 MPa in six directions of load flexion, extension, left and right lateral bending, and left and right rotation, respectively, while group L-L was the largest VMS in each group, with the maximum VMS in six directions of 21.55, 21.54, 30.17, 28.33, 19.88, and 25.27 MPa, respectively. Compared with the uneven distribution of bone cement in the upper and lower adjacent vertebrae (ULAV), the uniform distribution of bone cement in the ULAV reduced and uniformed the stress load on the SV and intervertebral disc. Theoretically, it can lead to the lowest incidence of sandwich vertebral fracture and the slowest rate of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Research on the Law of Coal Pillar Spontaneous Combustion and Fire Prevention and Control Technology.

In coal pillar fires, the fire source is hard to be detected and the adjacent goaf is extremely likely to be affected. Such fires would give rise to thermal and dynamic disasters in mines, further causing casualties and environmental disruption. In this study, with the coal pillar spontaneous combustion (CPSC) accident in Chahasu Coal Mine taken as the research object, the oxygen uptake and limit of oxygen concentration of CPSC were explored. Based on the research results, a similar model was constructed, where a control group was used to simulate the hazardous area of CPSC in a bid to investigate the law of CPSC. Moreover, the polymer colloid perfusion system was constructed and the drilling parameters and perfusion process parameters were determined, and practices concerning spontaneous fire control were carried out. Here are the conclusions: First, air leakage in the coal pillar may lead to coal spontaneous combustion due to the impact of rib spalling, threatening 2-6 m above the middle of the coal pillar at a shallow position. Second, coal pillar grouting, injecting polymer colloids for cooling, and coal pillar cement reinforcement prove to be effective ways to prevent CPSC fires and combat recombustion.

3D Textile Reinforced Cement (TRC) composites with integrated synthetic microfibres: Evaluation of mechanical response and crack formation in bending

This study explores the integration of short synthetic microfibres into 3D Textile Reinforced Cement (3D TRC) composites to achieve enhanced flexural capacity and improved crack control. The homogeneous distribution of microfibres within 3D TRCs was a challenge unaddressed in the current state of the art. The influence of the added microfibres on the bending behaviour and crack formation of the 3D TRCs was evaluated, along with the effect of crucial parameters such as the microfibre type (PP/PVA), length (3 mm/6 mm/8 mm) and content (0.5 %/0.7 %/1.0 %). Microfibre-enhanced 3D TRCs demonstrated a higher ultimate load and post-cracking stiffness, as well as more and narrower cracks.

Bone cement reinforcement improves the therapeutic effects of screws in elderly patients with pelvic fragility factures

BackgroundPelvic fragility fractures in elderly individuals present significant challenges in orthopedic and geriatric medicine due to reduced bone density and increased frailty associated with aging.MethodsThis study involved 150 elderly patients with pelvic fragility fractures. The patients were divided into two groups, the observation group (Observation) and the control group (Control), using a random number table. Artificial intelligence, specifically the Tianji Orthopedic Robot, was employed for surgical assistance. The observation group received bone cement reinforcement along with screw fixation using the robotic system, while the control group received conventional screw fixation alone. Follow-up data were collected for one-year post-treatment.ResultsThe observation group exhibited significantly lower clinical healing time of fractures and reduced bed rest time compared to the control group. Additionally, the observation group experienced less postoperative pain at 1 and 3 months, indicating the benefits of bone cement reinforcement. Moreover, patients in the observation group demonstrated significantly better functional recovery at 1-, 3-, and 6-months post-surgery compared to the control group.ConclusionThe combination of bone cement reinforcement and robotic technology resulted in accelerated fracture healing, reduced bed rest time, and improved postoperative pain relief and functional recovery.

A comparative analysis of RCC and composite buildings using the new plastic deformation (PD) method

Low computational efficiency and non-linearity behaviour make the simulation of the overall building structure problematic to attain with a single dynamic or static method. Thus, this paper uses a plastic deformation (PD) method based on concrete plasticity theory (CPT) for comparative analysis of multi-storey reinforcement cement concrete (RCC) and composite buildings under common and rare earthquake loads. For this purpose, a 15-storey tall building was selected for analysis using ABAQUS software. At first, a possible building model was created and then plastic deformation analysis was performed using the new PD method under both common and rare earthquakes. After that, a nonlinear time history analysis was conducted, and the results of plastic strain distribution, lateral displacement, peak acceleration, storey stiffness, shear force, storey drift, normalised shear, and top deflection of the RCC and composite buildings were studied deeply. The fundamental time period of the RCC model was found to be 5.2 s while the fundamental time period of the composite model was 6 s. Under common and rare earthquake leads, the peak acceleration of the RCC building was 19% and 22% higher than composite buildings, respectively. Under common and rare seismic loads, the top deflections of the composite building were 33% and 36% higher than those of RCC buildings, respectively. In the case of the RCC building, it was found in this study that higher peak acceleration (PA) of the ground motion led to higher storey top displacement, storey drift, shear force and top deflection under both ground motions. Numerical results suggested that the use of composite structure is more durable than RCC structure. It was also concluded that the PD method could also be effectively used for the analysis of RCC and composite buildings under dynamic loads.

A novel approach to evaluation of lumbar bone density using Hounsfield units in volume of interest on computed tomography imaging.

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD), as assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and Hounsfield units (HU) measured in volumes of interest (VOIs) and regions of interest (ROIs) on lumbar spine CT. A retrospective analysis was performed on data of lumbar vertebrae obtained from patients who underwent both DEXA and lumbar spine CT scan within a 6-month period. Vertebrae with a history of compression fracture, infectious spondylitis, cement reinforcement, or lumbar surgery were excluded. HU measurements were performed in the VOI and ROI (midaxial, midcoronal, and midsagittal sections) with CT, whereas BMD was assessed with DEXA. Statistical analyses, including correlation assessments and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, were performed. This analysis included 712 lumbar vertebrae, with a median patient age of 72.0 years. BMD values and HU measurements in the VOI increased sequentially from L1 to L4, whereas HU values in the ROI did not show a consistent pattern. HU values in the VOI consistently showed a stronger correlation with BMD than those in the ROI. ROC analysis revealed patient-level cutoff values for the diagnosis of osteoporosis at different lumbar vertebral levels with high sensitivity and specificity, as well as an excellent area under the curve. This is the first study to introduce a novel approach using the HU value in the VOI to assess bone health at the lumbar spine. There is a strong correlation between the HU value in the VOI and BMD, and the HU value in the VOI can be used to predict osteoporosis.

Research status and prospects of bamboo-based cement concrete

Bamboo is a widely used natural and renewable material, and its application in bamboo-based cement concrete is receiving increasing attention from researchers in the context of low-carbon emission reduction. The combination of bamboo and cement concrete has shown good performance in improving material mechanical properties, especially toughness. However, the applicability and durability of bamboo, as a biomass material, have not been clearly elucidated. Therefore, this paper reviews the research status of bamboo-based cement concrete, categorizing it into three aspects: bamboo reinforcement, bamboo fibers, and bamboo aggregate cement concrete. The results show that bamboo-based cement concrete has significant toughening effects, but research on durability is insufficient. In addition, this paper focuses on the discussion of research on bamboo fibers and bamboo aggregate cement concrete. Finally, the paper summarizes the two main problems of poor interfacial bonding and insufficient durability in bamboo-based cement concrete, and suggests further exploration of the mechanisms and improvement methods leading to poor interfacial bonding, as well as proposing economically effective bamboo modification methods to enhance the mechanical and durability properties of bamboo-based cement concrete.

Reinforcement of alkali-activated cements based matrices using olive pruning fibres as an alternative to traditional fibres

Recent research has focused on the development of environmentally sustainable materials for replacing conventional Portland cement. Alkali-activated cements, derived from aluminosilicate-rich precursors and an alkaline activator, have been a key area of interest. However, the properties of these materials vary with different precursors, leading to issues like shrinkage and flexural strength deficiencies. To address these challenges, scientists have explored the reinforcement of alkali-activated materials through the incorporation of fibres, both synthetic and natural.This study involved a comparative analysis of various fibres, including synthetic options such as polypropylene and glass fibres, as well as natural fibres like sisal, cellulose, and olive pruning fibres, with some subjected to specific treatments. A consistent 1% wt. fibre content was maintained, as determined optimal in prior research. The matrix was formed using electric arc furnace slag (EAFS) and biomass bottom ash (BBA) as raw materials, while an activator solution of KOH and K2SiO3 was used. Mechanical, physical, and thermal properties were evaluated. The results demonstrated that natural fibres improved flexural strength up to 20% and increased the ductility of the matrix, but the addition of fibres negatively affected physical and thermal properties. Compression strength had different behaviour, improving values in the case of use olive pruning fibres treated by K2SiO3 solution or cellulose commercial fibres, up to 9 and 15%. This research highlights the potential of natural fibres to enhance specific properties of alkali-activated materials.

Graphene Oxide in Construction: A Comprehensive Review on the Prospects, Challenges, and Sustainable Cement Reinforcement

The growing demand for cement production to support the rapid growth of the construction industry has resulted in a significant contribution to global carbon emissions due to the high energy requirements of cement production. Addressing this issue requires the development of eco-friendly cement modifiers/additives. Graphene, known for its exceptional properties, has emerged as a versatile material in various domains, including construction. Its incorporation into cement has exhibited promising prospects, surpassing geopolymer performance and enhancing cement quality. Nevertheless, challenges persist, such as inadequate dispersion in concrete mixtures and quality control issues during large-scale production. Harnessing the potential of graphene oxide can revolutionize cement performance and contribute to a more sustainable construction industry. Addressing dispersion challenges and ensuring successful large-scale production are pivotal steps towards realizing these benefits. This comprehensive review investigates the potential of graphene oxide in the construction sector, specifically focusing on its capacity to reinforce cementitious composites and highlighting the associated implementation challenges, paving the way for more sustainable cement production with a touch of scientific excellence.

Augmenting the seismic performance of unreinforced masonry loess - Cave with composite materials through shaking table testing

To improve the seismic performance level of existing masonry buildings, a composite reinforcement method of polypropylene packaging strap (PP) and cement was used to design unreinforced masonry loess-cave (URML) structural models with a scale ratio of 1:4, and shaking table tests were conducted on these models. Reinforcement measures were used to reinforce the earthquake-damaged URML structure, and vibration table tests were conducted again on the reinforced URML structure using the same loading procedure. A comparative analysis was conducted on the failure modes, acceleration response, displacement response, torsional effect, and energy dissipation capacity of two model structures under earthquake action, and their seismic performance was evaluated. The experimental results show that the overall seismic performance of the URML structure is poor, with a low natural frequency, large displacement response, and obvious torsional effect. It is close to collapse under the PGA = 0.8 g earthquake action; the model (RML) structure strengthened with PP strap and cement combination has an increased natural frequency, smaller displacement response compared to the unreinforced model, and it has a significantly controlled crack propagation. The destructive effect of the structural torsion effect is significantly reduced. Under the PGA = 0.8 g earthquake, only slight damage occurs to the water mud surface layer. The combination of the PP strap and cement reinforcement method can effectively delay the stiffness degradation of URML structures under strong earthquake action, increase the damage resistance of the structure, and effectively improve the overall seismic resistance of such masonry structures.

Diffusion mechanism of solid waste product utilization pulping and fracture network grouting

China's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 has highlighted the pressing need for effective solid waste recycling. The reinforcement of mine water hazards has led to increased production costs due to the significant consumption of slurry. This study focuses on the development of mine crack grouting sealing and reinforcement materials using mine slag powder and waste rubber particles, along with cement reinforcement and alkali slag stimulation. The impact of water-cement ratio, rubber particle content, and slag mass fraction on slurry performance is analyzed, and the optimal values for these parameters are determined. A two-phase seepage simulation using COMSOL is conducted to investigate the flow and diffusion of slurry in a fractured network rock mass. The findings indicate that a water-cement ratio of 0.7 and a slag and rubber particle mass fraction of 70% and 30% respectively result in the slurry with favorable fluidity and mechanical properties. The diffusion pattern of the slurry in the fractured rock mass is characterized by vortex-like diffusion. The stability of the fractured rock mass is influenced by both grouting time and pressure, which should be carefully considered during on-site operations. This research has significant implications for the integrated prevention and control of mine water hazards and the large-scale utilization of high-dosage solid waste, thereby ensuring production safety, ecological environment safety, and sustainable development in mining areas.

Repair, flexural upgrading and seismic retrofit of RC columns with reinforced FRCC light jacket

An innovative repair, flexural upgrading and seismic retrofit solution consisting of a reinforced light jacket (i.e., 3–4 cm) made of Fibre Reinforced Cement Composites, FRCC coupled with a High-Performance steel reinforcement is proposed for existing reinforced concrete (RC) columns. The proposed solution consists in a FRCC light jacketing coupled with a High-Performance steel reinforcement that works both as anchorage system for the jacket and as additional transverse reinforcement (Reinforced FRCC light jacketing or RFRCC). The goal of the solution is to improve the columns resistance against the migration of aggressive agents and at the same time to increase its flexural capacity. The potential of the proposed solution is demonstrated on 6 full-scale RC columns experimentally tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. The RC columns under investigation are subjected to a seismic pre-damage before the application of the RFRCC jacket. Square and rectangular columns with smooth and deformed rebars are tested to assess the feasibility of the technique for the repair and flexural strengthening of existing deficient RC columns. The experimental results attest the high potential of the proposed technique in recovering and enhancing the flexural capacity, ductility and energy dissipation of seismically pre-damaged RC columns.

Influence of Raw Material Size on the Microstructure of Graphene Oxide and Its Early Strengthening Properties of Cemen

With the purpose of exploring the influence of raw material size on the structure-performance of graphene oxide (GO) for cement reinforcement, this paper used natural flaked graphite with different particle sizes as raw material to prepare GO nanosheets by a method of enhanced Hummers, and then used scanning electron microscope (SEM) , X-ray diffraction (XRD) , Raman spectrum, infrared spectrum (IR) and other means to characterise the microstructure of GO products in detail, and then investigated the effects of raw material size and graphene oxide GO dosage on its early strengthening effect in cement. The experimental results showed that with the decrease of raw material particle size, the spacing between the layers of GO products is basically the same, while the oxidization degree is increased, and the oxygen-containing groups on the surface are increased. When the GO matt was used to prepare cement mortar with same GO extent, the mechanical strengths at an age of 3 days were found to initially increase and then decrease with the reduction of raw material particle size, and the GO products had the best effect on the improvement of early mechanical strength of cement when the raw material particle size was 13μm. On the other hand, GO matt being obtained from the raw material particles in a size of 13μm was employed to prepare cement mortar with different GO content, of which the 3d strength was found to increase apparently with the increasing GO content, and thus resulted in the increment of 8. 85% to the 3d compressive strength and 6. 34% to the 3d flexural strength for the mortar specimen obtained with a GO content of about 0. 05%, but the further increasing of the GO content is not proposed, which might gave rise of a relative low mechanical strength.