Showing papers in "Cement & Concrete Composites in 2018"

Durability of recycled aggregate concrete – A review

Abstract: Recycling of waste concrete has become an important issue worldwide due to the continued increase of construction wastes. Also, the growing global construction activities urge to find sustainable resources to replace natural materials for the production of concrete. In the past few decades, many researches have been carried out on the use of recycled aggregate (RA) derived from construction and demolition wastes to produce concrete products. This paper reviews the previous findings on the effects of use of RA on durability of concrete. In general, the amount of adhered mortar and the quality of the original concrete have a significant effect on the properties of resulting concrete. The increase of RA content and w/c ratio results in poorer durability of concrete. In comparison, the negative effect of recycled fine aggregate is more obvious than that of recycled coarse aggregate. The use of pozzolanic materials either for surface coating of RA or intermixed within the concrete are effective and feasible to improve the overall durability of concrete. Recent researches on CO2 treatment indicate that it can enhance the properties of RA and durability of concrete significantly.

Investigation of the rheology and strength of geopolymer mixtures for extrusion-based 3D printing

Abstract: This study presents the development of fly ash-based geopolymer mixtures for 3D concrete printing. The influence of up to 10% ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) and silica fume (SF) inclusion within geopolymer blends cured under ambient conditions was investigated in terms of fresh and hardened properties. Evolution of yield stress and thixotropy of the mixtures at different resting times were evaluated. Mechanical performance of the 3D printed components was assessed via compressive strength measurements and compared with casted samples. SF demonstrated a significant influence on fresh properties (e.g. recovery of viscosity), whereas the use of GGBS led to higher early strength development within geopolymer systems. The feasibility of the 3D printing process, during which rheology was controlled, was evaluated by considering extrusion and shape retention parameters. The outcomes of this study led to the printing of a freeform 3D component, shedding light on the 3D printing of sustainable binder systems for various building components.

A self-reinforced cementitious composite for building-scale 3D printing

Abstract: A design scheme for self-reinforced cementitious composites to be used for building-scale 3D printing processes is introduced. The design is based on that of engineered cementitious composites, which include dispersed short polymer fibers to generate robust tensile strain-hardening. The mechanical property profile of these printable ECC materials is meant to eliminate the need for steel reinforcement in printed structures, providing more freedom and efficiency for building-scale 3D printing processes. The fresh state rheological properties have been systematically manipulated to allow printability. Effects on fresh state workability of several compositional ingredients and processing parameters are investigated herein. To maintain consistent printing performance with a batch mixing approach, thixotropy in the fresh state is exploited to temporarily decouple hardening behavior from the processing timeline. Minimal workability loss under continued shear agitation is achieved. Mechanical properties of the printable materials are characterized and the printability of the materials is demonstrated.

Nano-silica and silica fume modified cement mortar used as Surface Protection Material to enhance the impermeability

Abstract: In corrosion environment, corrosion ions can easily penetrate from the surface into the inside of the concrete due to the porous structure of the surface; in this case, concrete can inevitably suffer from the damage. In this study, an attempt to use nano SiO2 (NS) and silica fume (SF) modifying cement mortar as a Surface Protection Material (SPM) was made, in order to promote penetration resistance of the whole system. SPM was coated on the surface of matrix, and then interfacial bond strength between matrix and SPM was measured; shrinkage consistency was also considered; the chloride penetrability of the system was examined as well. To reveal the mechanism, effect of NS and SF on pore structure, Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ), hydration process, and compressive strength of SPM were investigated. The results show that matrix coated with SPM on the surface has a good integrity, with excellent interfacial bond strength and little difference in shrinkage, and chloride diffusion coefficient of the system was considerably declined, in comparison with the matrix, showing an excellent penetration resistance. The mechanism behind is that SPM, which was modified with SF-NS, shows the excellent impermeability, and this kind of material existing on the surface can noticeably obstruct the chloride ions penetrating into the inside. In cement hydration process, SF and NS can not only consume a large amount of CH to form dense C-S-H, but also exert the grading filling effect, resulting in the decline in porosity, the increase in density, the improvement in microstructure of ITZ, and the enhancement in mechanical performance. The findings can provide useful experience for the design of the cement-based materials servicing in high corrosion environment.

Use of biochar as carbon sequestering additive in cement mortar

Abstract: Biochar is widely considered as effective way of sequestering carbon dioxide. The possibility of using it to enhance the mechanical strength and reduce permeability of cement mortar is explored in this study. The effect of fresh biochar and biochar saturated with carbon dioxide a priori on the setting time, mechanical strength and permeability of cement mortar was evaluated. The biochar was prepared from mixed wood saw dust at 300 °C and added to mortar during mixing at 2% by weight of cement. It was found that addition of fresh biochar and saturated biochar reduce initial setting time and significantly improve early compressive strength of mortar. The experimental results suggested that biochar addition can impart ductility to mortar under flexure, although flexural strength was not significantly influenced. Water penetration and sorptivity of mortar was significantly reduced due to addition of biochar, which indicate higher impermeability in biochar added mortar. However, it is found that addition of fresh biochar offers significantly higher mechanical strength and improved permeability compared to biochar saturated with carbon dioxide. These results suggest that biochar has the potential to be successfully deployed as a carbon sequestering admixture in concrete constructions that also provides a way to waste recycling.

Enhancing the strength of pre-made foams for foam concrete applications

Abstract: Chemical and mechanical foaming techniques are commonly used in foam concrete technology for developing lightweight construction materials. The characteristics of the foam before the lightweight structure sets and maintains its shape has a great impact on the properties of foamed concretes. The tendency of the foams to coalesce and collapse during the preparation process brings some challenges in controlling the properties of cellular structures. Consequently, it is critical to improve the stability of fresh foams in order to produce high quality cellular structures using a predictable and reliable approach. Aggregating the liquid film around bubbles is known to be effective in improving the stability of foams, but the impact of this stabilizing method has not been investigated for foam concrete applications. In this paper, Xanthan gum (with a thickening capacity) has been utilized as the foam stabilizer to aggregate the liquid film. This stabilizing method is shown to significantly enhance the pore size distribution of foam concretes. The resulting pre-made foams are remarkably more stable than the control foam, and the mechanical properties of the final cellular structure are considerably improved (about 34% in mechanical foaming and 20% in the chemical foaming technique).

Characterizations of autogenous and drying shrinkage of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC): An experimental study

Abstract: Due to the high content of binder and low water to cement ratio, ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), exhibits higher levels of autogenous shrinkage compared to ordinary concrete. This shrinkage has been shown to lead to a reduction in strength over time as a result of the formation of thermal and shrinkage cracks. Aiming to mitigate the negative impacts associated with shrinkage, the efficacy of three different techniques to reduce the impact of shrinkage are investigated, namely: reducing the binder content; incorporating high levels of shrinkage reducing admixture; and using crushed ice to partially replace mixing water. The effects of these techniques are experimentally investigated and the underlying mechanisms of the actions are characterized. It is found that autogenous shrinkage predominates the overall shrinkage of UHPC and that the three techniques can effectively reduce shrinkage without significantly compromising its mechanical strength. The results also suggest, that from the perspective of reducing shrinkage: the optimal binder-to-sand ratio is in the range of 1–1.1; the optimal dosage rate of shrinkage reducing admixture is 1%; and replacing of mixing water by crushed ice up to 50% by weight has also induced a significant reduction in shrinkage.

Distinguishing dynamic and static yield stress of fresh cement mortars through thixotropy

Abstract: The dynamic and static yield stress of fresh cement mortar were measured in a rotational rheometer with a vane geometry using shear rate and shear stress-controlled protocols, respectively. Through a shear rate-controlled steady-state protocol, the equilibrium flow curve is measured and fitted with the Bingham model to obtain dynamic yield stress. A negative slope in the equilibrium flow curve, shear banding and stick-slip phenomena are observed and discussed. Through a stress-controlled creep-recovery protocol, viscosity bifurcation behavior is captured and static yield stress is marked as the creep stress when the bifurcation occurs. Finally, the discrepancy between dynamic and static yield stress is tied to thixotropy.

Performance of mortar prepared with recycled concrete aggregate enhanced by CO2 and pozzolan slurry

Abstract: One of the most promising strategies to manage the large volume of construction and demolition (C&D) waste is recycling and utilizing it for the production of new concrete. However, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) derived from C&D waste possesses relatively higher porosity and water absorption capability, which often limits its wild utilization. In this study, pozzolan slurry (includes silica fume, nano-SiO2, and fly ash slurries) and CO2 treatments as enhancement methods for RCA were investigated. Test results showed that CO2 treatment was more effective in reducing water absorption and enhancing fluidity, whereas pozzolan slurry treatment could decrease fluidity. Mortars prepared with treated RCA exhibited better mechanical strength and higher resistance towards carbonation and chloride-ion diffusion than those with untreated RCA. Both pozzolan slurry and CO2 treatments enhanced not only the properties of RCA, but also the old and new interfacial transition zones (ITZs) as demonstrated in the measured micro-hardness and SEM observation.

How do fiber shape and matrix composition affect fiber pullout behavior and flexural properties of UHPC

Abstract: The use of steel fiber is essential to secure high strength and ductility in producing ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC). In this study, the interfacial bond properties between embedded steel fibers with different shapes (straight, hooked, and corrugated fibers) and UHPC matrices proportioned with either 15% or 20% silica fume, by mass of binder, under different curing times were investigated. Flexural properties of UHPC reinforced with 2% different shaped fibers were also evaluated. Test results showed that corrugated and hooked fibers significantly improved the bond properties by three to seven times when compared to those with straight fibers. The flexural strength of UHPC with corrugated and hooked fibers were enhanced by 8%–28% and 17%–50%, respectively. Microstructural results from MIP, BSEM, and TG confirmed the change in bond properties. The bond strength of straight fibers exponentially increased with the decrease of calcium hydroxide content. Based on the composite theory, the flexural strengths of UHPC made with different shaped fibers can be efficiently predicted using the fiber-matrix bond strength, the flexural strength of the UHPC matrix (non-fibrous matrix), and the parameters of fibers. The ratios of predicted to measured flexural strengths ranged between 0.8 and 1.1, in which straight fibers showed a larger discreteness due to higher sensitivity of flexural strength associated with the orientation of fibers.

Compressive strength and microstructure of alkali-activated fly ash/slag binders at high temperature

Abstract: This paper reports the results of the compressive strength and microstructure of various alkali-activated binders at elevated temperatures of 300 and 600 °C. The binders were prepared by alkali-activated low calcium fly ash/ground granulated blast-furnace slag at ratios of 100/0, 50/50, 10/90 and 0/100 wt.%. Specimens free of loading were heated to a pre-fixed temperature by keeping the furnace temperature constant until the specimens reached a steady state. Then the specimen was loaded to failure while hot. XRD, SEM and FTIR techniques were used to investigate the microstructural changes after the thermal exposure. The fly ash-based specimen shows an increase in strength at 600 °C. On the other hand, the slag-based specimen gives the worst high-temperature performance particularly at a temperature of 300 °C as compared to ordinary Portland cement binder. This contrasting behaviour of binders is due to their different binder formulation which gives rise to various phase transformations at elevated temperatures. The effects of these transformations on the compressive strength are discussed on the basis of experimental results.

Alkali-activated slag concrete: Fresh and hardened behaviour

Abstract: The behaviour of fresh and hardened alkali-activated slag (AAS) and OPC concretes was compared and the effect of mixing time assessed. OPC and AAS concrete slump and rheological results proved to differ, particularly when the slag was activated with waterglass (WG). The nature of the alkaline activator was the key determinant in AAS concrete rheology. Bingham models afforded a good fit to all the OPC and AAS concretes. In OPC and NaOH-activated AAS concretes, longer mixing had an adverse effect on rheology while improving hardened performance only slightly. In WG-AAS concrete, longer mixing times, improved mechanical properties and also rheological behaviour was enhanced, in which those conditions were required to break down the microstructure. Longer mixing raised thixotropy in OPC and NaOH-activated AAS concretes, but lowered the value of this parameter in waterglass-activated slag concrete.

Mechanical and thermal properties of lightweight geopolymer composites

Abstract: This research has investigated the properties of thermally insulating geopolymer composites that were prepared using waste expanded polystyrene as lightweight aggregate. The geopolymer matrix was synthetized using metakaolin and an alkaline activating solution. To improve its mechanical properties, this matrix was modified by the addition of an epoxy resin to form an organic-inorganic composite. Moreover, in order to reduce drying shrinkage marble powder was used as an inert filler. The materials obtained were characterized in terms of physico-mechanical properties, thermal performance and microstructure. The geopolymer expanded polystyrene composite have improved properties compared to Portland cement-based materials, with higher strengths and lower thermal conductivity. The research demonstrates the manufacture of sustainable lightweight thermally insulating geopolymer composites using waste expanded polystyrene.

Multi-scale investigation of microstructure, fiber pullout behavior, and mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete with nano-CaCO3 particles

Abstract: The mechanical properties of a fiber-reinforced concrete are closely related to the properties of the matrix, fiber, and fiber-matrix interface. The fiber-matrix bond property is mainly governed by the adhesion between the fiber and surrounding cement materials, as well as the strength of materials at the interfacial transition zone. In this paper, the effect of nano-CaCO3 content, varying between 0 and 6.4%, by mass of cementitious materials, on microstructure development, fiber-matrix interfacial bond properties, and mechanical properties of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) reinforced with 2% steel fibers were investigated. The bond properties, including bond strength and pullout energy, were evaluated. Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), backscattered electron microscopy (BSEM), optical microscopy, and micro-hardness testing were used to characterize the microstructure of matrix and/or interfacial transition zone (ITZ) around an embedded steel fiber. Test results indicated that the incorporation of 3.2% nano-CaCO3 significantly improved the fiber-matrix bond properties and the flexural properties of UHPC. This was attributed to densification and strength enhancement of ITZ as observed from micro-structural analyses. Beyond the nano-CaCO3 content of 3.2%, the fiber bond and mechanical properties of UHPC decreased due to increased porosity associated with agglomeration of the nano-CaCO3.

Efflorescence and subflorescence induced microstructural and mechanical evolution in fly ash-based geopolymers

Abstract: This paper reports the effects of efflorescence on the microstructural and mechanical properties of fly ash-based geopolymers. Geopolymer pastes manufactured by sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate activation of three Class F fly ashes exhibit varying efflorescence behaviour. The geopolymer derived from sodium silicate activation of fine fly ash, which has a compact microstructure, shows a relatively slow efflorescence rate and low efflorescence potential. The efflorescence occurring on the surface of the geopolymer specimens does not change their mineralogical characteristics. However, the compressive strength development and compressive modulus of geopolymers can be affected through processes related to the loss of alkalis, and also to subflorescence. The phenomenon of subflorescence can be regarded as an extended efflorescence taking place under the surface of the material, leading to crystallisation pressure, which may exceed the tensile strength of hardened binders and generate structural damage.

Healing cement mortar by immobilization of bacteria in biochar: An integrated approach of self-healing and carbon sequestration

Abstract: Self-healing of cracks in concrete by bacterial carbonate precipitation is an effective mechanism to ensure better serviceability of civil infrastructure. This study explores biochar, derived from wood waste, as carrier for carbonate precipitating bacteria spores in cement mortar to seal cracks, and recover strength and permeability of healed samples. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) and polypropylene microfibers (PP) were added to ensure moisture availability to bacteria and control crack propagation during damage of mortar. Samples were damaged by pre-loading to different levels – 50% and 70% of peak strength at 14-day. Experimental results show that biochar immobilized spores combined with SAP and PP precipitate copious amount of calcium carbonate, which completely sealed cracks up to 700 μm. This mix also showed highest recovery of impermeability and strength under both levels of preloading. Improvement in strength by 38% and reduction in water penetration and absorption by 65% and 70% was observed by immobilization of spores in biochar, compared to directly added spores. From comparison between samples, it was found that inclusion of PP fiber contributed to recovery of strength and impermeability, while SAP ensured higher precipitation of bacterial induced carbonate precipitation. The study suggests that spores immobilized in biochar has potential to offer excellent self-healing in cement composites. Using biochar is also a carbon sequestration strategy because of high volume of stable carbon stored in biochar particles during pyrolysis. Therefore, the proposed material combination would offer carbon storage in buildings, while also promoting waste recycling.

Gamma-ray attenuation coefficients and transmission thickness of high consistency heavyweight concrete containing mineral admixture

Abstract: In the study, high consistency heavyweight concrete mixtures containing barite aggregate were produced by using some common mineral admixtures (viscosity modifier, silica fume and fly ash) at various water/binder ratios and binder contents. Gamma-ray linear attenuation coefficients of the concrete mixtures were determined by using gamma sources of 137Cs and 60Co in NaI(Tl) gamma spectrometry system. The relationship between specimen thickness and transmission of the rays was constituted by emphasizing their mean free path, half-value layer, and tenth-value layer. Moreover, experimental mass attenuation coefficients of the concrete specimens were determined and compared with theoretical mass attenuation coefficients calculated by XCOM software depending on elemental fractions of these concrete in equivalent energies (662 keV, 1173 keV and 1332 keV). As a result, the replacement of the aforementioned admixtures with ordinary cement negatively affected the linear attenuation coefficients of the heavyweight concrete. A relative change of up to 25% was observed between the least and the highest attenuation thickness values at a certain gamma-ray transmission. A good regression relationship has been established between density and linear attenuation coefficients, density and mean free path, and density and half- or tenth-value layers of the heavyweight concrete. Theoretical (XCOM) mass attenuation coefficients were found similar to the experimental mass attenuation coefficients of the heavyweight concretes. Although there is a good linear regression relation between the theoretical and experimental mass attenuation coefficients at 662 keV energy of gamma rays, the relations were disappeared at 1173 and 1332 keV energies of gamma rays.

An integrated design method of Engineered Geopolymer Composite

Abstract: Strain-hardening ductile fiber-reinforced geopolymer composite, named Engineered Geopolymer Composite (EGC), is a promising material for achieving green and durable civil infrastructure. Despite increasing attentions of the unique material, inefficient trial-and-error approaches are often employed in the material design, which slows the research and development. This paper proposed a new design methodology of EGC that integrates three design techniques: Design of Experiment (DOE), micromechanical modeling, and Material Sustainability Indices (MSI). The mix design of a preliminary version of EGC was optimized to achieve higher compressive strength, maintain high tensile ductility, and enhance the material greenness simultaneously. With the aid of the systematic design process, an optimized EGC with improved compressive strength of 43.1 MPa and high tensile ductility of 4.7% was developed, while achieving 11% less embodied energy and 55% less CO2 equivalent emissions compared with a standard Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC). Therefore, the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed design method were successfully demonstrated.

A mixture proportioning method for the development of performance-based alkali-activated slag-based concrete

Abstract: This paper reports a general mixture design procedure for alkali-activated slag concrete, which is an essential step towards industrial application. The procedure involves three steps: 1) the determination of coarse and fine aggregate ratio according to close packing model; 2) the determination of liquid phase (water content and activator) based on compressive strength; and 3) the determination of excess paste content by workability requirement and measurement. Effects of mixture proportional factors, including activator composition, water content, fly ash content, and binder/aggregate ratio are examined on consistency, setting time and compressive strength. The relationship between performance and precursor composition is established using simplex centroid design method. Using the mixture proportioning method, alkali-activated concretes with compressive strength grades of C40, C60, and C80 are successfully prepared with initial setting time of 1–3 h and slump of more than 200 mm.

Inhibiting efflorescence formation on fly ash–based geopolymer via silane surface modification

Abstract: Efflorescence can be a critical issue for the application of alkali-activated fly ash–based geopolymer products, especially when the products are in a moist environment. In this study, a new method was explored to inhibit efflorescence of fly ash–based geopolymer via silane surface modifications. After the modification, the surface of the geopolymer was transformed from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, with a water contact angle of 144.1°, and the capillary absorption and diffusion of water were significantly suppressed; and as a consequence, the soluble alkali ion leaching was reduced. Analysis by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and size-exclusion chromatography demonstrated that the selected silane is attached successfully onto the surface of the fly ash–based geopolymer via chemical bonding instead of via physical absorption. A possible reaction mechanism for the silane surface modification of the fly ash–based geopolymer is proposed.

Self-healing performance of aged cementitious composites

Abstract: This study investigates the autogenous self-healing capability of one-year-old engineered cementitious composites (ECC) with different mineral admixtures to understand whether self-healing performance in late ages is similar to that of early ages. Sound and severely pre-cracked specimens were subjected to different environmental conditions including water, air, “CO2-water,” and “CO2-air” for one year plus 90 days of initial curing. Self-healing performance of ECC mixtures was assessed in terms of crack characteristics, electrical impedance testing, rapid chloride permeability testing and microstructural analysis. Laboratory findings showed that the presence of water is crucial for enhanced autogenous self-healing effectiveness, regardless of mixture composition. “CO2-water” curing resulted in the best self-healing performance of all curing conditions, which was confirmed with results from different performance tests throughout the experimental study. By further curing specimens under “CO2-water” (depending on the ECC mixture composition), cracks as wide as half a millimeter (458 μm) were easily closed by autogenous self-healing within only 30 days of further curing, and all cracks closed completely after 90 days. Because high levels of CO2 emission are a global problem, the effectiveness of “CO2-water” curing in closing microcracks of aged cementitious composites specimens through autogenous self-healing can help reduce the increasing pace of CO2 release. The results of this study clearly suggest that late-age autogenous self-healing rates of ECC specimens can be significantly enhanced with proper further environmental conditioning and mixture design.

Highly dispersed graphene oxide electrodeposited carbon fiber reinforced cement-based materials with enhanced mechanical properties

Abstract: Mechanical behavior of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced cement-based materials greatly depends on the dispersion of CF and interfacial properties between the CF and cement matrix. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was utilized to modify the surface properties of CF, including the roughness, wettability and chemical reactivity, and the graphene oxide/carbon fiber (GO/CF) hybrid fibers were fabricated by a newly designed electrophoretic depositing method. The scanning electron microscopy and contact angle measurement results indicated that GO/CF hybrid fibers not only had a rougher surface which was expected to improve the physical friction when CF was pulled out from cement matrix, but also had a higher wettability surface that made it easier to contact with cement hydrates as nucleation sites. In addition, GO/CF hybrid fibers were capable of high chemical reactivity due to the introduction of GO with many functional groups, which ensured them more likely to interact with cement hydrates due to the hydrogen bonding at interface and therefore benefited to strengthen the bonding between the CF and cement matrix. In terms of mechanical behavior, three-point bending test showed that compared with the CF reinforced cement paste, flexural strength of the GO/CF hybrid fibers reinforced cement paste was enhanced by 14.58%, and could be further improved by 10.53% when the GO/CF hybrid fibers were pre-dispersed in the GO solution and then mixed with cement powders. The larger electrostatic repulsion and steric stabilization led to the better dispersion of GO/CF hybrid fibers in GO solution, which were responsible for the further mechanical enhancement of cement paste. In conclusion, the research outcomes provided a novel way for utilizing GO as both of dispersant and surface modifier to improve the dispersion of CF in cement and strengthen its bonding with cement hydrates, consequently achieving a significant enhancement in the mechanical properties of cement paste.

Enhancement of recycled aggregate properties by accelerated CO2 curing coupled with limewater soaking process

Abstract: Strengthening the attached old cement mortar of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is a common approach to enhance the RCA properties. Accelerated CO2 curing has been regarded as an alternative way to enhance the properties of RA. However, the improvement of the properties of RCA was limited by the shortage of reactive components in the old cement mortar available for the carbonation reactions. In this study, a CO2 curing process associated with a limewater saturation method was performed cyclically on cement mortar samples, aiming to enhance the properties of cement mortars via artificially introducing additional calcium into the pores of the cement mortars. The results indicated that the adopted treatment method promoted the level of carbonation which was demonstrated by higher CO2 uptake by the limewater saturated cement mortar when compared to that without limewater treatment. After 3-cycles of limewater-CO2 treatment, the density of the cement mortar slightly increased by 5.7%, while the water absorption decreased by over a half. For mechanical properties, the compressive and flexural strength were increased by 22.8% and 42.4%, respectively. Compared to the untreated cement mortar samples, the total porosity of cement mortar was reduced by approximately 33% and the densified microstructure therefore resulted in a higher microhardness.

Whether do nano-particles act as nucleation sites for C-S-H gel growth during cement hydration?

Abstract: In this study, three modelling experiments were designed to investigate whether nano-particles incorporated in the cement paste act as nucleation sites for C S H gel growth during cement hydration. The nano-particles with (nano-SiO2) and without (nano-TiO2) pozzolanic reactivity were used. In the first experiment, both the cement and nano-particles were dispersed in water to prepare dilute cement paste, in which the cement and nano-particles can contact each other. In the second one, the cement particles were laid inside a filter paper funnel and immersed in tap and ultrapure water with nano-particles dispersed, in order to separate the cement particles with nano-particles by using the filter paper. In the third one, large clinker particle was embedded in resin, surface-polished and then exposed upside down in ultrapure water with and without nano-particles dispersed. After hydration for 7 days, the hydration products in the paste or the nano-particle dispersion were observed by using TEM and the hydrated surface of the embedded clinkers were detected by using SEM. Based on the experimental results and the detailed discussions by using the classic nucleation theory, it was found that there may have no nucleus function of the nano-particles for the C S H gel precipitation during cement hydration, at least in the hydrating system with nano-silica and nano-TiO2 addition. It was proposed to more reasonably explain the observations in the three modelling experiments by using the topochemical reaction instead of the through-solution mechanism for the C S H gel formation.

Durability performance of high-performance concrete made with recycled aggregates, fly ash and densified silica fume

Abstract: This study intends to analyse the effects of the incorporation of recycled aggregates (RA) and densified silica fume (SF) on the durability of high performance concrete (HPC). Considering that the mortar adhered to the RA strongly influences the behaviour of the concrete made with it, the source of these aggregates was restricted to precast mixes with target compressive strengths of 75 MPa and subjected to a primary plus a secondary crushing process. With regard to SF, a certified commercial product was used, which was incorporated in the concrete as an additional material to cement. The experimental campaign included the production of 12 types of concrete, which were evaluated by means of water absorption by immersion, water absorption by capillarity, resistance to carbonation, resistance to chloride penetration and permeability to oxygen tests. The results show that it is possible to produce HPC with significant quantities of fine and coarse recycled aggregates (FRA and CRA) as replacement of traditional fine and coarse natural aggregates (FNA and CNA). Ultimately, considering the properties analysed, it seems possible to produce HPC without incorporating natural aggregates (NA). The incorporation of densified silica fume contributed to an increase of concrete's performance through the use of a mixing process developed by the authors that minimized the previously endured dispersion difficulties associated with this product.

Mechanical properties of ambient cured high strength hybrid steel and synthetic fibers reinforced geopolymer composites

Abstract: Ambient cured geopolymer offers significant promise to the construction world as a possible alternative to ordinary Portland cement (OPC). However, as a member of the ceramic family, geopolymers exhibit extremely brittle behaviour. The inclusion of short discrete fibers is an effective way to enhance their ductility. In this research, a series of fiber combinations and volume fractions between steel fibers with end-hooked or spiraled and synthetic fibers (made of high strength polyethylene (HSPE)) were incorporated in a high strength ambient cured geopolymer matrix. The performance of synthesized geopolymer composites was compared in terms of fresh and hardened state properties, such as workability, uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, Poisson's ratio, flexural tensile strength, energy absorption capacity and post-peak residual strength etc. The interfacial bond between the spiral steel fiber and the geopolymer matrix as well as fiber distribution in the composites were assessed through individual fiber-pull out tests and physical examination of the cast samples, respectively. The test results show that the addition of fibers significantly improved the load carrying capacity of the composites under flexure load, i.e. increased from 3.89 MPa to 11.30 MPa together with an improved behaviour in compression. In general, all fiber reinforced composites displayed a stable deflection hardening response and multiple-cracking failure mode. Moreover, among composites with different fiber volume fractions, the composite having 1.60% steel+0.40% HSPE showed the highest ultimate flexure strength, correspondingly the highest energy absorption capacity. The individual fiber pull-out test curves ascertained a strong bonding between the geopolymer mortar and spiral-steel fiber.

A self-healing cementitious composite with mineral admixtures and built-in carbonate

Abstract: In this study, experimental investigations were conducted on the self-healing potential of concrete. Sulfoaluminate based expansive agents (CSA), crystalline admixture (CA), and calcium hydrogen phosphate were used as part of cementitious materials, and porous ceramsites served as the carrier for sodium carbonate solution. The quantification of the widths/areas of the cracks was performed to examine the feasibility of the approach and optimize mix proportions. A gas permeability test was conducted on two preferred mixes to investigate the change in the gas permeability of pre-cracked samples. After curing in still water for 28 d, the pre-cracked specimens with ceramsites containing sodium carbonate, and appropriate dosages of additives exhibited considerable efficiency in surface crack closure and healing in gas permeability. The SEM results indicated the deeper formation of healing products (CaCO3) in the cracks of the suggested mix when compared to that in the control mix. A healing mechanism was discussed based on the experimental results.

Enhanced dynamic mechanical properties of cement paste modified with graphene oxide nanosheets and its reinforcing mechanism

Abstract: The effect of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets on the static and dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of cement paste has been investigated. The results of dynamic mechanical testing revealed that loss factors of the pastes containing 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 wt.% of GO were improved by 31%, 58%, and 77%, respectively. The maximum storage modulus of 52% was observed at a GO content of 0.1 wt.%, while the 28-d flexural and compressive strengths of the cement pastes with GO contents of 0.05 and 0.2 wt.% exceeded those of the control pastes by 12%–26% and 2%–21%, respectively. TGA analysis and microstructural analysis of the hardened cement pastes showed that the added GO could promote cement hydration, refine the capillary pore structure, reduce the air voids content, and improve the density of pastes. Dynamic mechanical properties reinforced mechanisms of paste incorporated with GO were also revealed based on the internal contact surfaces, porosity, and non-uniform stress distribution analysis.

Improved interfacial strength of SiO2 coated carbon fiber in cement matrix

Abstract: To improve the interfacial properties of carbon fiber in cement matrix, a thin SiO2 layer was coated onto carbon fibers through the condensation and polymerization of the tetraethyl orthosilicate under alkaline conditions. The morphology and chemical composition of the surficially grown SiO2 were characterized and analyzed. The surficially grown SiO2 layer reacted with Ca(OH)2 to form calcium silicate hydrate, which condensed the fiber-matrix interface. A single carbon fiber pullout from cement matrix test was conducted to evaluate the merit of surficial grown SiO2 on interfacial properties. Chemical debonding energy and frictional bond strength were obtained based on the pullout curves. The experimental results showed that the chemical debonding energy and frictional bond strength of the modified carbon fibers were significantly enhanced with respect to those of the plain carbon fiber, and this effect was primarily attributed to the improvement in interfacial hydration products that benefited from the reaction between surficial-coated SiO2 and Ca(OH)2.

Effect of alkalinity and calcium concentration of pore solution on the swelling and ionic exchange of superabsorbent polymers in cement paste

Abstract: Swelling kinetics of superabsorbent polymers (SAP) in fresh concrete is complex, but its understanding is crucial for optimisation in practical applications. In this study, the effect of concentration of ions common in pore solution (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, OH−, SO42−) and cyclic wetting/drying on the swelling and ionic exchange of poly(AA) and poly(AA-co-AM) were investigated. Results show that swelling is not a simple function of concentration or ionic strength. In cement paste, SAP absorbs Ca2+ and releases its counterion (Na+, K+) into pore solution. Ca2+ binds with SAP and decreases initial swelling, but the bound Ca2+ can be displaced and swelling gradually recovers. Swelling increases with increase in alkalinity, but decreases with increase in calcium concentration. The higher the degree of ion exchange, the lower the swelling of SAP. Poly(AA) is more susceptible to Ca2+ complexation and therefore achieves a lower swelling ratio and slower swelling recovery compared to poly(AA-co-AM).