Quaternary Blended Cement Research Articles

Investigation on Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Blended Cement Mortar Integrated with Mineral Additives

Investigation on Binary, Ternary, and Quaternary Blended Cement Mortar Integrated with Mineral Additives

Limestone powder, calcined clay and slag as quaternary blended cement used for green concrete production

Cement is among the most widely used building materials in recent years. In addition, the accumulation of massive waste has impacted the city's appearance. As a result, there was a need to reduce waste by using by-products from industrial waste to replace cement and reduce greenhouse emissions to produce mortar or concrete green that has good performance, environmentally and sustainably. This research study aims to design green concrete with the highest feasible replacement level with different cement content that satisfies fresh and mechanical characteristics used for structural application and eliminate negative environmental impacts simultaneously. The empirical work was conducted by preparing 12 blends to produce green concrete by substituting cement with three ratios of various by 30% (10% LMP +10% SS + 10% CC), 40% (10% LMP +10% SS + 20% CC), and 50%(10% LMP +15% SS + 25% CC) with three binder contents (355 kg/m3, 400 kg/m3, and 460 kg/m3). The mix design was carried out according to the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Code. Then environmental influences of green concrete blends were calculated by evaluating the declines in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The results showed that adding limestone powder (LMP),calcined clay (CC), and steel slag (SS) as partial cement replacement decreased the slump properties of fresh concrete, so an increased dosage of superplasticizer (SP) in the fresh properties is needed. Green concrete containing quaternary cement by 30%, 40%, and 50% with SP dosage certain gave higher compressive, flexural, and splitting strength values at 90 days compared to normal concrete. However, UPV values indicate that all green concrete is of suitable quality. While water absorption has slightly increased in quaternary cement containing 50% for binder content 355, 400, and 460 kg/m3 increased by 4.2%, 2.7%, and 2.1%, respectively, compared with plain concrete. The evaluated reduction of carbon dioxide emissions study indicated that the green concrete, when increased in cement replacement percentages by up to 50% for binder content 355, 400, and 460 kg/m3 reduced CO2 emissions by 35.9%, 36.4%, and 37.1%, respectively. As a result, adopting the idea of green concrete is a promising strategy for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and conserving natural resources.

Optimization of Quaternary Blended Cement for Eco-Sustainable Concrete Mixes Using Response Surface Methodology

Optimization of Quaternary Blended Cement for Eco-Sustainable Concrete Mixes Using Response Surface Methodology

Concrete Composites Based on Quaternary Blended Cements with a Reduced Width of Initial Microcracks

This article is devoted to the study of the combined effect of siliceous fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), and nanosilica (nS) on the cement matrix morphology and size of microcracks occurring in the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) between the coarse aggregate and the cement paste of concrete composites based on ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The manuscript contains analyses of width of microcracks (Wc) occurring in the ITZ area of concretes based on quaternary blended cements and changes in ITZ morphology in the concretes in question. Experiments were planned for four types of concrete. Three of them were composites based on quaternary blended cements (QBC), while the fourth was reference concrete (REF). Based on the observations of the matrices of individual composites, it was found that the REF concrete was characterized by the most heterogeneous structure. However, substitution of part of the cement binder with active pozzolanic additives resulted in a more compact and homogenous structure of the cement matrix in each of the QBC series concretes. Moreover, when analyzing the average Wc values, it should be stated that the modification of the basic structure of the cement matrix present in the REF concrete resulted in a significant reduction of the analyzed parameter in all concretes of the QBC series. For QBC-1, QBC-2, and QBC-3, the Wc values were 0.70 μm, 0.59 μm, and 0.79 μm, respectively, indicating a decrease of 38%, almost 48%, and 30%, respectively, compared with the working condition of concrete without additives. On the basis of the above results, it can therefore be concluded that the proposed modification of the binder composition in the analyzed materials clearly leads to homogenization of the composite structure and limitation of initial internal damages in concrete.

Fresh properties of limestone-calcined clay-slag cement pastes

Formulation of quaternary blended system containing ordinary Portland cement or clinker, slag, limestone and calcined clay (LC2) appeared to be a viable approach to developing low-clinker cements without severely sacrificing mechanical performance at later ages. This paper investigates the effect of two material parameters, i.e., LC2-to-slag ratio and gypsum content, on fresh properties, hydration, and compressive strength of quaternary blended cement pastes (about 65 wt% of LC2 and slag in the binder). Results show that the increase in LC2 proportion decreased flowability and increased water retention capacity, yield stress, and plastic viscosity, as well as accelerated the evolution of stiffness with time (G′ growth). On the other hand, the addition of 2–4 wt% gypsum had little effect on most of the fresh properties. A new metric, the free water indicator, was proposed to describe the effect of free water content and the total specific surface area of binding materials. It correlated strongly with the growth of structural build-up metrics. Finally, adding gypsum delayed the aluminate peak and enhanced compressive strength only at 3 days, whereas increasing slag content reduced accumulated heat of hydration (7 days) but improved 28-day compressive strength. Therefore, adjusting LC2-to-slag ratio of the quaternary blended cement is a feasible way to meet requirements for fresh properties and compressive strength.

Mechanical properties and brittleness of concrete made by combined fly ash, silica fume and nanosilica with ordinary Portland cement

<abstract> <p>This paper introduced a new concrete composites made by quaternary binder by partially replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with different percentages of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The motivation is to reduce our dependency on OPC to reduce CO<sub>2</sub> emission and carbon foot print. As the main substitute for the OPC, siliceous fly ash was used (FA). Moreover, silica fume (SF) and nanosilica (nS) were also used. This study utilized the following contents of SCMs used: 5% of nS; 10% of SF; 0, 15, and 25% of FA. During examinations the main mechanical properties of concrete composites, i.e. compressive strength (<italic>f</italic><sub>cm</sub>) and splitting tensile strength (<italic>f</italic><sub>ctm</sub>) were assed. The brittleness of these materials was also analysed. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that concrete composite based on quaternary blended cements, of series Mix3, has shown the best results in terms of good strength parameters, whereas the worst mechanical parameters were characterized by concrete of series Mix4. On the other hand, concrete including only SF and nS (Mix2 series) were characterized by the greatest brittleness. It was observed that <italic>f</italic><sub>cm</sub> of concrete composites for series Mix2, Mix3, and Mix4 increase of 41%, 48%, and 31% respectively compared with the concrete without additives, i.e. series Mix1. In addition, <italic>f</italic><sub>ctm</sub> also increase of 39%, 47%, and 30%, respectively, for the three series mentioned above, compared with the control concrete. Concrete of series Mix3, with high mechanical properties and demonstrating the features of quasi-plastic material, i.e. having lower brittleness, can be used in concrete and reinforced concrete structures subjected mainly to dynamic and cyclic loads. Therefore, it can be used, in the construction of foundation structures for machines and other types of structures in which the above-mentioned loads are dominant.</p> </abstract>

Fracture Performance of Cementitious Composites Based on Quaternary Blended Cements

This study presents test results and in-depth discussion regarding the measurement of the fracture mechanics parameters of new concrete composites based on quaternary blended cements (QBC). A composition of the two most commonly used mineral additives, i.e., fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF), in combination with nanosilica (nS), has been proposed as a partial replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) binder. Four series of concrete were made, one of which was the reference concrete (REF) and the remaining three were QBC. During the research, the main mechanical parameters of compressive strength (fcm) and splitting tensile strength (fctm), as well as fracture mechanics parameters and the critical stress intensity factor , along with critical crack-tip opening displacements (CTODc) were investigated. Based on the tests, it was found that the total addition of siliceous materials, i.e., SF + nS without FA, increases the strength and fracture parameters of concrete by approximately 40%. On the other hand, supplementing the composition of the binder with SF and nS with 5% of FA additive causes an increase in all mechanical parameters by approximately 10%, whereas an increase by another 10% in the FA content in the concrete mix causes a significant decrease in all the analyzed factors by 10%, compared to the composite with the addition of silica modifiers only.

Development of cost-effective low carbon hybrid textile reinforced concrete for structural or repair applications

This paper presents a comprehensive experimental program on the development of ductile, sustainable, and low-cost TRC composites for structural or repair applications. For this purpose, a range of ternary and quaternary blended cement mixes made of Ordinary Portland Cement, Fly Ash, Limestone and Silica Fume (with 70% to 80% cement replacement levels) with a target compressive strength of 30 MPa and a slump of > 300 mm were developed. The most suitable mixes were then used for the development of AR-glass-based TRCs with and without the addition of 2% PP, AR-glass and PVA short fibres. The performance of the developed TRCs was investigated in terms of cost, sustainability, flexural behaviour, bond behaviour, drying shrinkage and compressive strength. The results showed that the developed TRCs show a significantly higher flexural strength and deformation capacity while having a lower drying shrinkage, cost and environmental impact than those available in the literature.

The engineering properties and pozzolanic reaction kinetics of quaternary blended binder high strength mortars optimized by the Taguchi method

The Taguchi method has been applied for the experimental design of the mixture proportions of quaternary blended cement mortars on the basis of four factors. The design of experiment derived mixture proportions have been examined on four levels, comprising supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) viz: ultra-fine treated palm oil fuel ash (u-TPOFA; at 4 levels of 30, 35, 40, and 45%), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS; at 4 levels of 12.5, 15, 17.5, and 20%), metakaolin (MK; at 4 levels of 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15%) as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement (OPC), and water to binder ratio (W/B; at 4 levels of 25, 26, 27, and 28%), in order to achieve an optimum mixture. The response factors employed were compressive strength (CS), porosity (P%), and water absorption (Abs%) at the ages of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. By utilizing the L16 array as proposed by the Taguchi method, the specimens prepared were analyzed using 16 experiments. The results obtained showed that the response values of the optimized mixture using the Taguchi method were much better than the plain cement mortar mix and those proposed in the initial 16 series. The workability of the optimum mix increased by about 6% over the plain cement mortar mix. The relative CS results of the optimum mix was 116.92% at 28 days of curing. Likewise, the relative P% and Abs% results of the optimum mix exhibited notable reductions at 28 days of about 40.0% and 45%, respectively. Further analyses were carried out using thermogravimetric (TG) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses to quantify the contribution of the SCMs and their chemical reaction which was reflected by the remaining amount of the unreacted portlandite in the mix. According to the results, the optimum quaternary blended binders mortar mix which utilized only 37.5% of cement by volume (i.e., a reduction from 882.22 to 330.83 kg/m3) portrayed improved physical properties, chemical reaction, enhanced workability, better CS, as well as lower P% and Abs% compared to the plain cement mortar.

Quaternary blended cement mortars containing wood ash, glass and slag powders

AbstractA quaternary supplementary cementitious materials as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement decreases CO2 emission. This paper has investigated the properties of mortars made from different quaternary blends of wood ash, steel slag powder and glass powder with ordinary Portland cement at different replacement levels of 0, 24, 25, and 30% by weight of the binder. The blended mortar mixtures tested for flow, compressive strength and density. The results showed that the flow of mortars is decreased with the combined use of steel slag powder, glass powder, and wood ash compared with control mix. Compressive strength reduced with the combination of steel slag powder, glass powder and wood ash but this reduction effects is acceptable especially at 24% replacement contain super-plasticizer compared with the ecological benefit.

Ternary and quaternary blends as partial replacement of cement to produce hollow sandcrete blocks

Hollow sandcrete blocks constitute more than 90% of residential building construction in developing countries especially in West Africa. Over-reliance on dredged river sands and conventional ordinary Portland cement (OPC) contributes to environmental degradation and post-construction problems such as swelling and shrinkage-induced cracks prevalent in construction projects. The study investigates potential utilization of locally available materials such as laterite, calcite and calcined clay as ternary and quaternary blends to replace cement and quarry dust as 100% replacement of river sand with the aid of Taguchi-Response surface methodology approach. Optimum ternary blend of 24% calcined clay +1% calcite +75% OPC is recommended to achieve volume stability, higher compressive strength and higher flexural load capacity. Alternatively, ternary blends of 24% calcite +4% calcined clay +72% OPC can also be utilized. The improved mechanical properties were attributed to the Na- and Ca-rich aluminosilicates provided by the blended cements. Successful utilization of ternary and quaternary blended cements to produce stronger, durable and eco-friendly sandcrete blocks depends on utilization of high binder-to-aggregate ratio, optimal combination of the constituents, appropriate water-cement ratio and curing/production method. Partial and 100% replacement of river sand with granite dust is possible and contributes to reduction of environmental problems caused by river dredging as well as cleaner, ecofriendly construction. Ternary and quaternary blended cements is recommended to avert post-construction problems such as swelling and shrinkage-induced cracks prevalent in construction projects.

Effect of Accelerated Curing on Strength of Quaternary Blended Cement Concrete with Recycled Aggregate

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation carried out on accelerated curing of Quaternary Blended Cement (QBC) Concrete with and without recycled aggregate. Cement is partially replaced with fly ash, micro silica and nanosilica to produce QBC Concrete. The variables of study include the grade of concrete, powder content and percentage of recycled aggregate. Two grades of concrete M-40 and M-60 were used in this investigation. Based on the earlier studies, fly ash and micro silica are kept constant as 20% and 10% respectively while nanosilica is varied as 2% and 3%. Three percentages of recycled aggregate as partial replacement of natural aggregate (0%, 50% and 75%) were used. Two methods of curing were employed; boiling water method and hot air curing. The test results are encouraging and it is observed that 90% of the design strength could be achieved in one day for both the grades of concrete by curing at 100°C for a period of 3 hours. Keywords: Quaternary Blended Cement Concrete (QBCC), Fly ash (FA), Micro silica (SF), nanosilica (NSF), Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), Accelerated Curing.

Performance evaluation of self-compacting concrete containing fly ash, silica fume and nano titanium oxide

Abstract The attempt to increase the service life of structures in severe exposure conditions by using supplementary cementitious materials is forcing researchers to study the performance characteristics of cement concretes containing various mineral admixtures. Moreover, the necessity to reduce the carbon dioxide emission due to manufacture of cement has been laying emphasis on utilizing alternate binding materials. The use of nano particles in cement concrete to reduce the pore volume and enhance the performance characteristics has been quite significant in the recent period. In the present study self-compacting concrete mixes containing flyash (FA), silica fume (SF) and nano Titanium oxide (TiO2) have been assessed through the evaluation of mechanical and durability characteristics. A total of ten concrete mixes have been studied with various combinations of ternary and quaternary blended cements. The concrete mixes were formulated in three sets, where the first set and second set consists of control concrete and ternary blended cement concretes containing combinations of FA-TiO2 and SF-TiO2 respectively. The third set of concrete mixes contain quaternary blended cement containing FA, SF and TiO2. The performance characteristics were evaluated by determining compressive strength, split tensile strength, absorption characteristics, resistivity and rapid chloride penetrability.

Mechanical and durability characteristics of high performance self-compacting concrete containing flyash, silica fume and graphene oxide

Abstract The fundamental requirement to reduce the carbon footprint by reducing the consumption of cement in construction industry has been forcing researchers to look for alternate binder materials or mineral admixtures. The use of mineral admixtures as partial replacement of cement in concrete has proved its efficacy with enhanced performance characteristics. In the recent period, the use of ternary and quaternary blended cements in concretes has increased due to the synergistic effect produced by the simultaneous use of multiple mineral admixtures. The present work focuses on studying the properties of high performance self-compacting concretes containing ternary and quaternary blended cements using flyash (FA), silica fume (SF) and graphene oxide (GO). The mechanical and durability characteristics were assessed by evaluating compressive strength, split tensile strength, resistivity, absorption characteristics and rapid chloride penetrability.

Development of zero cement composite for the protection of concrete sewage pipes from corrosion and fatbergs

The pursuit of environmental friendly alternatives for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) finds increased attention when the latter poses serious durability issues in major infrastructure applications, such as sewage drainage pipes. The presence of large quantities of free lime in OPC concrete used in the manufacturing of sewage pipes, exposes them to (i) concrete corrosion in acidic sewage environment, and (ii) clogging of sewage network due to the formation of calcified fatbergs. There appears to be very limited or no research on the development of an eco-friendly zero cement composite that can protect the concrete sewage pipes from corrosion and can eliminate the free lime that contributes towards the formation of fatbergs. Therefore, to address this research gap, an experimental investigation was undertaken on quaternary blended cement composites containing nano-silica, fly-ash, slag, and hydrated lime. These cement composites were tested for compressive strength to identify their mechanical properties, and an acid attack durability test exposed to 3.5% sulfuric acid solution to identify their corrosion performance in an aggressive acid environment. X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and scanning electron microscopic analysis were carried out to ascertain the physicochemical properties of the cement composites. The results show that an eco-friendly zero cement concrete developed with a quaternary blended mix of nano-silica, fly-ash, slag and hydrated lime successfully addresses the mechanical and durability requirements of the concrete sewage pipes. It surpasses ASTM's minimum strength requirement for the sewage pipes, and brings about a significant improvement in withstanding an aggressive acidic environment as evident from the 96% reduction in its mass loss due to concrete corrosion, compared to that of the OPC concrete. Moreover, the high amorphous silica content present in nano silica, slag and fly-ash assists in totally consuming the free lime that interacts with fat, oil and grease to produce fatbergs.

Analysis of correlation between hydration heat release and compressive strength for blended cement pastes

This paper investigated the quantitative correlation relationship between hydration heat release and compressive strength in various blended cement pastes. Particularly, binary, ternary, and quaternary blends with three typical substitution materials were analysed (by mass): silica fume (0–5%), fly ash (0–30%), and quartz powder (0–20%). Techniques with the isothermal calorimetric method, strength measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to analyse the initial and hardened stages of blended cementitious pastes. Then, linear relationships were evaluated by using the Pearson statistical method. The results showed that adding substitution materials significantly changes release peak value and cumulative hydration heat, but peak time does not fluctuate evidently. Cumulative hydration heat of binary, ternary and quaternary blended cement pastes reduced to varying degrees compared with reference cement. The compressive strength of quaternary blends substantially decreased at 28 d when the substitution of cement exceeds 45%. Binary, ternary, and quaternary cement mixtures exhibited a strong linear correlation between cumulative hydration heat (hydration exothermic peak) and 28-day compressive strength at some special conditions, and the Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.8–1. Hence, the prediction of 28-day compressive strength from measuring hydration heat with isothermal calorimetric is valid for the particular blended mixture employed in this study.

Early age, hydration, mechanical and microstructure properties of nano-silica blended cementitious composites

This study was carried out to understand the influence of nano-silica on hydration properties of binary, ternary and quaternary blended cement paste and mortar containing micro to nano sized admixtures including fly ash (FA), ultrafine fly ash (UFFA) and nano-silica in colloidal form (CNS). Characterization methods such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction studies (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) was employed to quantify the hydration products. Further, early age and mechanical properties were also investigated for binary, ternary and quaternary cementitious system blended with nano-silica. The optimized proportions of blended paste and mortar are designed through modified Andreasen and Andersen particle packing model.The experimental test results revealed that the optimum dosage of CNS in binary blended cement composites is 3%. The presence of nano-silica in cementitious system amplified the hydration and pozzolanic activity, thereby promoting densified microstructure at nano scale. The flow test indicated the intensified demand for water absorption and reduced workability with the rise in level of incorporation of CNS particles in cement paste. Quaternary blended mix performed superior hydration along with strength properties amongst all the blended samples.

Estimation of Compressive Strength of Concrete by testing the Pozzolanic Reactions of Blended Cement Mortars using Bolomey’s Equation

To experimentally investigate the effect of the presence of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) in concrete strength gain by using the efficiency factors in Bolomey’s equation to the cement mortar. The quaternary blended cement mortar consists of Fly ash (FA) at 0, 20 and 30%, micro silica (SF) at 0, 5 and 10% and Nano silica (NSF) at 0, 2, 3 and 6% replacement to cement. To study the compressive and flexural strength of mortars a total of 63 mortar mixes, with a cement-sand ratio of 1:2.75 were cast and tested; out of these mixes, 27 were variable w/b ratios based on consistency and remaining 36 were with fixed w/b ratio of 0.485. The mixes using SF and NSF had shown an improved performance while FA at 20% optimum indicated strength on par with the control mix. In triple blended mixes, all the combinations of NSF-SF, NSF-FA and SF-FA improved the performance of mortar. Bolomey’s equation was used to find the Efficiency of SCMs in mortar and concrete mixtures. Concrete mixes with two different cement contents along with a confirmation test using another cement quantity were carried out to identify optimum proportions of quaternary blended mixtures.

Acid resistance of quaternary blended recycled aggregate concrete

The possibility of reusing the aggregate from demolished structures in fresh concrete, in order to reduce the CO2 impact on the environment [23] and to preserve natural resources, was explored worldwide and it is established that recycled aggregates can be used as a partial replacement of natural aggregates. Due to its potential to be used in eco-friendly structures and shortage of supply of natural aggregates in some parts of the world, there is an increasing interest in using the recycled aggregate. The durability aspects are also of equal concern along with the strength and economy of any material to be used in the construction. Studies reveal that the behaviour of ternary and quaternary blended concretes is superior from durability point of view compared to conventional concrete. Therefore a study is conducted to assess the acid resistance of recycled aggregate based Quaternary Blended Cement Concrete (QBCC) of two grades M40 and M60. Fly ash and silica fume are fixed at 20% and 10% respectively from the previous studies while two percentages of Nano silica (2 and 3%) were used along with the cement to obtain QBCC. Three percentages of recycled aggregates as partial replacement of conventional aggregate (0%, 50% and 75%) were used in this study. Two different acids (HCL and H2SO4) with different concentrations (3 and 5%) were used in this study. Acid resistance of QBCC with Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) is assessed in terms of visual appearance, weight loss, and compressive strength loss by destructive and non-destructive tests at regular intervals for a period of 56 days. The test results showed marginal weight loss and strength loss in both M40 and M60 grades of concretes. The Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) results show that the quality of QBCC is good even after being subjected to acid exposure.

Effect of magnesium sulfate on the durability of limestone mortars based on quaternary blended cements

Currently, the use of blended cements incorporating various supplementary cementing materials, preserved in aggressive environments has become common. This paper describes the investigation results conducted on the evaluation of the resistance to magnesium sulfate solution (MgSO4) of limestone mortars containing simultaneously; limestone filler, blast furnace slag and natural pozzolan. In this study, the deterioration of limestone mortars due to sulfate attack was evaluated by measuring changes in weight, length and compressive strength at the ages of 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 days of immersion in exposure environments. The X-ray diffraction was also used in order to determine the different mineral phases. It is noteworthy that, the pH variation of the conservation solutions has been monitored during tests. The exposure solution was renewed monthly until the end of tests. The results showed that, the resistance to sulfate attack of mortars made with quaternary binders was better than that of mortars based on ordinary Portland cement.