How does calcium lactate addition affects cement chemistry hydration and durability?5 answersThe addition of calcium lactate to cement has significant effects on cement chemistry, hydration, and durability. Studies have shown that calcium lactate addition can enhance the compressive strength and self-healing properties of concrete by promoting the formation of calcium carbonate and other compounds like ettringite, calcium silicate hydrates, and calcite, which contribute to denser concrete structures. Furthermore, the incorporation of calcium lactate can accelerate the exothermic rate of cement hydration, shorten the induction period, and improve the dispersion of cement paste, leading to enhanced later hydration and strength development. Additionally, the use of calcium lactate in combination with bacterial strains like Lysinibacillus sphaericus has shown promising results in improving mortar properties, increasing compressive and tensile strength, and facilitating self-healing of cracks through the precipitation of calcite.
Is there any material that can replace cement?5 answersThere are several materials that can partially replace cement in concrete. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), solid waste ash, rice husk ash (RHA), sewage sludge ash (SSA), and ceramic-based waste from construction and demolition waste (C&DW) are some of the materials that have been studied for their potential as cement replacements. Studies have shown that GGBS can be used to replace up to 25% of cement, while solid waste ash is optimal at 4% replacement. RHA and SSA have been found to be effective replacements at 10%. Ceramic-based waste from C&DW can replace up to 25% of cement and has comparable mechanical properties to conventional concrete. Palm oil fuel ash (POFA) is another material that can replace cement, with an optimal replacement percentage of 20%. Ceramic waste powder (CWP) and RHA can also be used as partial replacements, with 15% CWP and 10-15% RHA offering higher strength.
How does the addition of metakaolin affect the microstructure and durability of concrete?5 answersThe addition of metakaolin to concrete has a significant impact on its microstructure and durability. Metakaolin can be used as a partial replacement of cement or as an additive to enhance the performance of concrete. When used as a partial replacement, metakaolin reduces the porosity of concrete, leading to a decrease in the corrosion rate and an increase in durability. It also promotes the production of more C-S-H gel and less CH, resulting in a denser microstructure and improved compressive strength. Additionally, metakaolin helps to mitigate the loss of strength at high temperatures, making the concrete suitable for heat-resistant applications. The inclusion of metakaolin in concrete also improves its impermeability and reduces water absorption, further enhancing its durability. Overall, the addition of metakaolin improves the microstructure and durability of concrete by reducing porosity, increasing strength, enhancing heat resistance, and improving impermeability.
How does the addition of calcium carbonate based component from sea urchin spines affect the properties of concrete?4 answersThe addition of calcium carbonate-based components from sea urchin spines has been found to have significant effects on the properties of concrete. The use of sea urchin spines in the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HA) resulted in improved characteristics of the material, such as better-defined functional group vibrations, morphology, particle size, crystalline structure, and chemical composition. Additionally, the inclusion of calcium carbonate whisker in concrete has been shown to enhance the impact toughness and compressive strength, particularly in steam-cured concrete. Sea shells, which contain calcium carbonate, have been studied as a chemical admixture in concrete and have been found to increase flexural and compressive strength while reducing transmission temperature and exothermal reaction time. Furthermore, the addition of ground calcium carbonate (GCC) in roller-compacted concrete (RCC) has been found to improve mechanical strength and durability characteristics, such as water absorption rates, sulphate resistance, and freeze-thaw resistance. Finally, the use of industrial-grade heavy calcium carbonate powder (IHCP) in white high-strength concrete (WHSC) has been shown to improve workability, whiteness, mechanical properties, while reducing impermeability and carbonation resistance.
How does the pozzolanic CFA affect soil physical properties, as CFA applied as soil amendment?5 answersCoal fly ash (CFA) is often used as a soil amendment to improve soil physicochemical properties. The addition of CFA to soils can affect the accumulation and translocation of rare earth elements (REEs) such as lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y) in plants. The concentrations of these elements in CFA are higher than in soils, but their concentrations in plants do not always significantly increase with CFA application. On the other hand, the use of CFA as a soil amendment can improve soil physical properties such as aggregate stability, soil porosity, and soil permeability, while reducing bulk density. Therefore, the impact of CFA on soil physical properties as a soil amendment can be positive, while its effect on the accumulation and translocation of REEs in plants may vary depending on the specific elements and plant species involved.
What is the difference between supplementary cementitious materials and pozzolan?5 answersSupplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are materials that are added to concrete mixtures to enhance their properties and reduce environmental impact. They can partially replace cement in concrete. Pozzolans, on the other hand, are a specific type of SCM that exhibit cementitious properties. They are materials that react with calcium hydroxide in the presence of water to form cementitious compounds. Natural pozzolans, such as alunite and bamboo cortex ash, are examples of pozzolanic materials. While all pozzolans are SCMs, not all SCMs are pozzolans. SCMs can include a wider range of materials, such as calcined clays, reclaimed coal fly ashes, and recycled glass, that have been found to have cementitious properties and can be used as additives in concrete. Therefore, the main difference between SCMs and pozzolans is that pozzolans are a specific type of SCM that exhibit pozzolanic behavior.