Characterization and properties of blended cement matrices containing activated bamboo leaf wastes

The worldwide production of bamboo generates large volumes of leaf wastes, which are deposited in landfills or burned in an uncontrolled manner, with negative effects in the environment. The ash obtained by calcining of the bamboo leaf waste, shows good qualities as supplementary cementing material for the production of blended cements. The current paper shows a detailed scientific study of a Brazilian bamboo leaf ash (BLA) calcined at 600 degrees C in small scale condition, by using different techniques (XRF, XRD, SEM/EDX, FT-IR, TG/DTG) and technical study in order. to analyse the behaviour of this ash in blended cements elaborated with 10% and 20% by mass of BLA. The results stated that this ash shows a very high pozzolanic activity, with a reaction rate constant K of the order of 10(-1)/h and type I CSH gel was the main hydrated phase obtained from pozzolanic reaction. The BLA blended cements (10% and 20%) complied with the physical and mechanical requirements of the existing European standards. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of EVA on the fresh properties of cement paste

The improved workability effect of latex in dry mortars has not been fully clarified. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence cif the EVA copolymer on the cement hydration and on the rheological properties of cement pastes. The results pointed to a minor influence of EVA on cement hydration and to a ball-bearing effect. In fact, the shear thinning behavior of reference paste at 15 min after mixing changed to shear thickening owing to the EVA addition. This behavior could be explained by the decrease in the interparticle separation distance as consequence of the solid content increase in case of shearing detachment of weakly adhered EVA particles from the cement particles surfaces. The expected EVA plasticizing effect was observed at 60 min. Such behavior points to the stabilization of EVA on the cement particles surfaces, thus resulting in a steric barrier effect. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efeito da calcinação do resíduo de bauxita nas características reológicas e no estado endurecido de suspensões com cimento Portland

Este estudo ilustra o impacto da calcinação de resíduo de bauxita (RB) nas propriedades de suspensões formuladas com cimento Portland, tanto no estado fresco como no endurecido. As suspensões foram avaliadas contendo uma razão constante de água-cimento e teor de resíduo variando de 5% a 20% em peso e em substituição ao cimento. As propriedades reológicas e a resistência mecânica foram alteradas em função do aumento do teor de RB, mas a calcinação não teve influência no resultado final obtido, seja no estado fresco ou no endurecido. Assim, pode-se afirmar que a utilização de resíduo de bauxita, natural ou calcinada, em formulações com cimento Portland pode reduzir o consumo de cimento, sendo uma alternativa para a utilização de uma grande quantidade deste tipo de resíduo.

Cement-base bearing pads mortar for connections in the precast concrete: study of surface roughness

Bearing pads are used in precast concrete connections to avoid concentrated stresses in the contact area between the precast elements. In the present research, the bearing pads are Portland cement mortar with styrene-butadiene latex (SB), lightweight aggregate (expanded vermiculite-term) and short fibers (polypropylene, glass and PVA), in order to obtain a material with low modulus of elasticity and high tenacity, compared with normal Portland cement mortar. The objective of this paper is to analyze the influence of surface roughness on the pads and test other types of polypropylene fibers. Tests were carried out to characterize the composite and test on bearing pads. Characterization tests show compressive strength of 41MPa and modulus of elasticity of 12.8GPa. The bearing pads tests present 30% reduction of stiffness in relation to a reference mortar. The bearing pads with roughness on both sides present a reduction up to 30% in stiffness and an increase in accumulated deformation of more than 120%, regarding bearing pads with both sides smooth.

Experimental Characterization and Quantification of Cement-Bentonite Interaction using Core Infiltration Techniques Coupled with X-ray Tomography

Deep geological storage of radioactive waste foresees cementitious materials as reinforcement of tunnels and as backfill. Bentonite is proposed to enclose spent fuel canisters and as drift seals. Sand/bentonite (s/b) is foreseen as backfill material of access galleries or as drift seals. The emplacement of cementitious material next to clay material generates an enormous chemical gradient in pore-water composition that drives diffusive solute transport. Laboratory studies and reactive transport modeling predicted significant mineral alteration at and near interfaces, mainly resulting in a decrease of porosity in bentonite. The goal of this thesis was to characterize and quantify the cement/bentonite interactions both spatially and temporally in laboratory experiments. A newly developed mobile X-ray transparent core infiltration device was used to perform X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans without interruption of running experiments. CT scans allowed tracking the evolution of the reaction plume and changes in core volume/diameter/density during the experiments. In total 4 core infiltration experiments were carried out for this study with the compacted and saturated cores consisting of MX-80 bentonite and sand/MX-80 bentonite mixture (s/b; 65/35%). Two different high-pH cementitious pore-fluids were infiltrated: a young (early) ordinary Portland cement pore-fluid (APWOPC; K+–Na+–OH-; pH 13.4; ionic strength 0.28 mol/kg) and a young ‘low-pH’ ESDRED shotcrete pore-fluid (APWESDRED; Ca2+–Na+–K+–formate; pH 11.4; ionic strength 0.11 mol/kg). The experiments lasted between 1 and 2 years. In both bentonite experiments, the hydraulic conductivity was strongly reduced after switching to high-pH fluids, changing eventually from an advective to a diffusion-dominated transport regime. The reduction was mainly induced by mineral precipitation and possibly partly also by high ionic strength pore-fluids. Both bentonite cores showed a volume reduction and a resulting transient flow in which pore-water was squeezed out during high-pH infiltration. The outflow chemistry was characterized by a high ionic strength, while chloride in the initial pore water got replaced as main anionic charge carrier by sulfate, originating from gypsum dissolution. The chemistry of the high-pH fluids got strongly buffered by the bentonite, consuming hydroxide and in case of APWESDRED also formate. Hydroxide got consumed by mineral reactions (saponite and possibly talc and brucite precipitation), while formate being affected by bacterial degradation. Post-mortem analysis showed reaction zones near the inlet of the bentonite core, characterized by calcium and magnesium enrichment, consisting predominately of calcite and saponite, respectively. Silica got enriched in the outflow, indicating dissolution of silicate-minerals, identified as preferentially cristobalite. In s/b, infiltration of APWOPC reduced the hydraulic conductivity strongly, while APWESDRED infiltration had no effect. The reduction was mainly induced by mineral precipitation and probably partly also by high ionic strength pore-fluids. Not clear is why the observed mineral precipitates in the APWESDRED experiment had no effect on the fluid flow. Both s/b cores showed a volume expansion along with decreasing ionic strengths of the outflow, due to mineral reactions or in case of APWESDRED infiltration also mediated by microbiological activity, consuming hydroxide and formate, respectively. The chemistry of the high-pH fluids got strongly buffered by the s/b. In the case of APWESDRED infiltration, formate reached the outflow only for a short time, followed by enrichment in acetate, indicating most likely biological activity. This was in agreement to post-mortem analysis of the core, observing black spots on the inflow surface, while the sample had a rotten-egg smell indicative of some sulfate reduction. Post-mortem analysis showed further in both cores a Ca-enrichment in the first 10 mm of the core due to calcite precipitation. Mg-enrichment was only observed in the APWOPC experiment, originating from newly formed saponite. Silica got enriched in the outflow of both experiments, indicating dissolution of silicate-minerals, identified in the OPC experiment as cristobalite. The experiments attested an effective buffering capacity for bentonite and s/b, a progressing coupled hydraulic-chemical sealing process and also the preservation of the physical integrity of the interface region in this setup with a total pressure boundary condition on the core sample. No complete pore-clogging was observed but the hydraulic conductivity got rather strongly reduced in 3 experiments, explained by clogging of the intergranular porosity (macroporosity). Such a drop in hydraulic conductivity may impact the saturation time of the buffer in a nuclear waste repository, although the processes and geometry will be more complex in repository situation.

Influence of cement properties in the reaction rate and mechanical behavior of concrete with high fl y ash content

The use of fly ash (FA) as an admixture to concrete is broadly extended for two main reasons: the reduction of costs that supposes the substitution of cement and the micro structural changes motivated by the mineral admixture. Regarding this second point, there is a consensus that considers that the ash generates a more compact concrete and a reduction in the size of the pore. However, the measure in which this contributes to the pozzolanic activity or as filler is not well defined. There is also no justification to the influence of the physical parameters, fineness of the grain and free water, in its behavior. This work studies the use of FA as a partial substitute of the cement in concretes of different workability (dry and wet) and the influence in the reactivity of the ash. The concrete of dry consistency which serves as reference uses a cement dose of 250 Kg/m 3 and the concrete of fluid consistency utilized a dose of cement of 350 Kg/m 3 . Two trademark of Portland Cement Type 1 were used. The first reached the resistant class for its fineness of grain and the second one for its composition. Moreover, three doses of FA have been used, and the water/binder ratio was constant in all the mixtures. We have studied the mechanical properties and the micro-structure of the concretes by means of compressive strength tests, mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and thermal analysis (TA). The results of compressive strength tests allow us to observe that concrete mixtures with cements of the same classification and similar dosage of binder do not present the same mechanical behavior. These results show that the effective water/binder ratio has a major role in the development of the mechanical properties of concrete. The study of different dosages using TA, thermo-gravimetry and differential thermal analysis, revealed that the portlandite content is not restrictive in any of the dosages studied. Again, this proves that the rheology of the material influences the reaction rate and content of hydrated cement products. We conclude that the available free water is determinant in the efficiency of pozzolanic reaction. It is so that in accordance to the availability of free water, the ashes can react as an active admixture or simply change the porous distribution. The MIP shows concretes that do not exhibit significant changes in their mechanical behavior, but have suffered significant variation in their porous structure

Comparison on the durability of different portland cements after five years exposure to sulfate and to sea water attack

Experimental research has been performed to relate specific cement characteristics to deterioration due to sulfate and sea water attack after five year exposure, and to study different test method suitability for sulfate and marine resistance. Sulfate resistance testing have been performed on mortar specimens made with fifteen cement types of statistically diverse chemical composition according to European standard EN 197-1, most of them with sulfate resistant properties according to Spanish regulations. Chemical and mechanical characteristics were studied to determine the variation in properties of selected cements. SO3 content, type and amount of additions, C3A, and C4AF content were used to examine relationships between these characteristics and the results of sulfate resistance. Mortar specimens testing using Na2SO4 as the aggressive medium according to ASTM 1012 (with w/c ratio adapted to prENV 196-X:1995) was performed using each type of cement; identical specimens were also stored in sea water, and in lime saturated water (blank condition), up to five year age. Additionally these cements were tested conforming ASTM 452 and Koch and Steinegger test. Recommended acceptance limits for sulfate resistance of cements concerning to each used test method were evaluated in order to explore their suitability. Relationships between cement characteristics, degradation, expansive products obtained by X-ray diffraction techniques and maximum expansion after applied storage treatments, were correlated at final age, to redefine cement characteristics for sulfate resistant and marine resistant Portland cement

The aggressiveness of pig slurry to cement mortars

The aim was to measure the behaviour of various mortars employed in livestock media in central Spain and to analyse the aggressiveness of pig slurry to cement blended with fly ash mortars. To achieve this, mortar specimens were immersed in ponds storing pig slurry. Mortar specimens, of 40 ? 40 ? 160 mm, were made from four types of cement commonly used and recommended for rural areas. The types were a sulphate-resistant Portland cement and three cements blended in different proportions with fly ash and limestone filler. After 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months of exposure, three or four specimens of each cement type were removed from the pond and washed with water. Their compressive strength and microstructure (X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion pore-symmetry, thermal analysis and scanning electron microscopy) were then measured. Sulphate-resistant Portland cement (SR-PC), found to be more susceptible to degradation due to its greater proportion of macro-pores and increased total porosity, was found not to be suitable for use with livestock. After 60 months of immersion in the pig slurry medium, CEM II-A (40.3%) mortar retained the greatest compressive strength. Mortars with less than 20% replacement of cement by fly ash were found to be the most durable, with the most suitable mechanical behaviour.

Mechanical behavior of alkali-cement as function of the temperature.

This investigation reports on a comparative study of the mechanical behavior at different temperatures of three different alkali-activated fly ash pastes chemically activated using sodium silicate. A control Portland cement (OPC) was used as a reference. In an attempt to simulate the conditions prevailing in the event of accidental fire, post-thermal mechanical tests were performed to determine the residual strength. It has therefore been established that FA based cements can be fabricated for construction purposes and these materials have great potential for fire resistance applications.

Estudio de la utilización de las cenizas de cenicero de centrales termoeléctricas de carbón como adición del cemento portland : análisis comparativo con las cenizas volantes

El empleo de nuevas adiciones en el cemento se plantea como una vía para que éste sea un material más sostenible. En este contexto, las cenizas de fondo o cenicero de las centrales termoeléctricas de carbón actualmente se están llevando a vertederos creando un problema medioambiental o se están empleando con usos minoritarios. Sin embargo, la presente Tesis doctoral demuestra cómo este material puede ser empleado como un componente principal de los cementos portland mezclado en una proporción optimizada con las cenizas volantes o solo. Por tanto, este estudio se puede considerar como un trabajo prenormativo que cubre las demandas de la sociedad tanto económicas como ambientales. Se han estudiado las propiedades químicas, físicas y mecánicas de las cenizas de fondo o cenicero de las centrales termoeléctricas de carbón como una adición potencial de los cementos portland (con adiciones) en comparación con los cementos portland con cenizas volantes. En consecuencia, el objeto de la presente Tesis Doctoral es el análisis de las prestaciones de morteros elaborados con clínkeres de cemento portland y cenizas de fondo o cenicero con cenizas volantes de las centrales termoeléctricas de carbón en unos porcentajes similares a los correspondientes a los CEM II/A-V, CEM II/B-V y CEM IV/A (V) de la UNE-EN 197-1:2011. La caracterización de las cenizas de fondo o cenicero y de las cenizas volantes de las centrales termoeléctricas de carbón se ha realizado mediante las técnicas analíticas de FRX, ICP, análisis químicos, DRX, densidad, granulometría láser, superficie específica Blaine, ATD, TG, puzolanicidad, MEB y EDX; mientras que la caracterización de las mezclas se ha realizado mediante análisis químico (análisis químico, FRX e ICP y), DRX, MIP, granulometría láser, puzolanicidad, MEB y EDX, agua de consistencia normal, inicio y final de fraguado, estabilidad de volumen, colorimetría, calor de hidratación, DTA y TG, asícomo ensayos de resistencia; resistencia a flexión y compresión y ensayos de durabilidad (carbonatación natural, resistencia al hielo-deshielo, resistencia a la acción de los sulfatos y resistencia a la reacción árido-álcali). Finalmente, se han comprobado las propiedades de las cenizas de cenicero y cenizas volantes en hormigones, realizando ensayos de resistencia a compresión y resistividad. Los resultados obtenidos indican que la sustitución parcial o completa de las cenizas volantes por las de cenicero no tiene un efecto tecnológicamente importante en las propiedades ni mecánicas ni durables, incluso los mejora en determinados aspectos. Por tanto, se recomienda la normalización de las cenizas de fondo o cenicero de las centrales termoeléctricas de carbón como componente principal de los cementos portland comunes de la UNE-EN 197-1:2011. Actualmente, la mayoría de las cenizas de fondo se consideran como un residuo que no tiene un posible uso. Sólo se han encontrado algunos datos relativos a la aplicación de este material combinado con cenizas volantes como un componente principal de los cementos portland. Por tanto, la realización de un estudio integrado considerando aspectos que van desde la caracterización de las cenizas hasta las mezclas de conglomerante y la hidratación de éstas, desarrollo de resistencias y demás prestaciones y durabilidad (carbonatación natural, resistencia al hielo-deshielo, resistencia a la acción de los sulfatos y resistencia a la reacción árido-álcali), así como los ensayos de resistencia en hormigón es totalmente novedoso. Como resultado final se propone incorporar estas nuevas adiciones en aplicaciones particulares y en la norma más apropiada para ello. Los resultados han demostrado que la sustitución completa o parcial de las cenizas volantes por cenizas de fondo o cenicero de las centrales termoeléctricas de carbón en cementos de los tipos CEM II/A-V, CEM II/B-V y CEM IV/A no afecta de forma significativa en la resistencia a compresión a 1, 3 ,7, 28 ni 90 días ni a la durabilidad. En parte esto se debe a que la composición química de ambas cenizas es muy similar en la mayoría de los elementos tales como Fe2O3, TiO2, P2O5, SrO2, aunque en algún caso, como en el ZnO, se encuentra alguna ligera diferencia. Por tanto, se pueden esperar unas ligeras diferencias en el mecanismo de hidratación de las diferentes mezclas estudiadas. La presencia de los óxidos mencionados afectará a la composición de la fase acuosa y, en consecuencia, podrían ser elementos lixiviables. Asimismo, influyen de distinta manera en propiedades tales como los tiempos de fraguado y en la durabilidad. New additions to the cement are needed to achieve a more sustainable construction material. Within this context, bottom ashes produced in coal-fired power stations are currently wastes which are dumped provoking an environmental problem. Only in few cases are being used in minor applications. However, the present PhD Thesis shows how this material can be used as a main constituent of Portland cement when it is mixed in an optimised proportion with fly ashes or added to the Portland clinker alone. Therefore, this study may also be considered as a pre-standardization work which covers both the environmental and economic demands of society. Chemical, physical and mechanical characteristics of pulverized coal combustion bottom ash used as a potential constituent of Portland cements (with additions) are studied in comparison to Portland cements with fly ashes. Therefore, the aim of this experimental PhD Thesis is the analysis of the performance of mortars made of clinker of Portland cement and bottom and/or fly ashes in similar proportions to those of CEM II/A-V, CEM II/B-V and CEM IV/A (V) according to EN 197-1:2011. Characterisation of bottom and fly ashes has been done by XRF, ICP, chemical analyses, XRD, density, laser granulometry, Blaine, ATD, TG, pozzolanity, SEM and EDS. Characterisation of bottom and fly ashes mixes has been perform by chemical analyses, XRF, ICP, XRD, MIP, laser granulometry, pozzolanity, SEM, EDS, setting time, soundness, colorimetric test, heat of hydration, ATD, TG, compressive strength, and durability tests (natural carbonation, frost-thaw resistance, sulphate resistance and silica-alkali resistance). In conclusion, it can be established that partial or complete replacement of fly ash by bottom ash has neither significant effect on mechanical nor durability properties. Even, they are improved in several aspects. Therefore, it is recommended to standardise the bottom ash as a main cement constituent of the European standard EN 197-1:2011. Nowadays, most bottom ashes are considered as waste without any potential re-use. Only a few papers deal with the study of this material and its use mixed with fly ashes to be employed as a main constituent of Portland cement. Therefore, the execution of an integrated study considering together aspects from the initial characterization of the ashes and blinder mixes to the hydration steps, strength achievement, leading behaviour and durability (natural carbonation, sulphate attack, aggregate-alcali reaction and freeze-thaw resistance) is totally new. As result, it is proposed to include this new addition for particular applications in the appropriate cement standard. The results have shown that with regard to the compressive strength at 1, 3, 7, 28 and 90 days, partial or complete replacement of fly ash by bottom ash in CEM II/A-V, CEM II/B-V and CEM IV/A has no more significant effects. Partially, this can be explained because the bottom ash contains a similar amount of most of the elements, Fe2O3, TiO2, P2O5, SrO2, and so on, instead of ZnO. Therefore, slight hydration differences are expected. The presence of such oxides might have a significant effect on pore solution concentration and so will be leachable constituents. They will also play an important role in the cement properties such as setting times and durability.

First steps of Roman Cement in Spain

Natural cement was patented in 1796 but it didn’t arrive in Spain until 1835. No one knows exactly where the production started in Spain, because it emerged independently at the same time in many places. Most of these outbreaks are concentrated in the north and northwest of Spain: Basque Country (Zumaya and Rezola) and Catalonia (San Celoní and San Juan de las Abadesas).Natural cement was extensively used to decorate historical buildings during the nineteenth and beginning of twentieth century in Madrid. It was the building material which realised the architects and builders dreams of mass-produced cast elements in a wide variety of styles. Its arrival replaced traditional materials that were used previously (lime, gypsum and hydraulic limes). However, its use was not extended in time, and soon it was replaced by the use of artificial Portland cements. During 20th century this building material disappeared from use. What remains is it’s memory, in thousands and thousands of “stone witnesses” in our cities. Final properties of the cement largely depend on raw materials used and its combustion temperature. However, it was characterised by an easily implementation on facade masonry, fast-setting (about 15 minutes), good resistance , an agreeable structural consistency and colour.This article aims to show first steps, evolution and decay of Natural Cement Industry in Spain and its application in Madrid.

Caracterización mecánica de morteros de cemento Portland con breas de petróleo y de alquitrán de carbón

En este artículo se presentan datos experimentales de resistencia a flexión y a compresión de morteros de cemento Portland con adición y sustitución de breas de petróleo y de alquitrán de carbón, que son subproductos de la industria del carbón o del petróleo. Los materiales estudiados son breas de alquitrán de carbón A (BACA) y B (BACB), y dos breas de petróleo (BPP) y (BPT). Los datos demuestran la viabilidad del uso de estas breas en la fabricación de morteros con menores contenidos de cemento, permitiendo diseñar un nuevo material sostenible con el medio ambiente y que contribuya a reducir el impacto ambiental de los materiales de construcción, hecho que permite abrir una nueva vía de valorización de estos subproductos.

Radiological impact of cement, concrete and admixtures in Spain

It has been analyzed samples of portland cement (PC) with and without admixtures, samples of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) with different content of Al2O3 and specimens of concrete made with PC and CAC using High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry. The activity concentration index (I) is much less than 0.5 mSv y-1 for all the concrete specimens according to the Radiation protection document 112 of the European Commission. The PC without admixtures (CEM I 52,5 R) and the PC with addition of limestone (CEM II/BL 32,5 N) also have an I value much lower than 0.5 and the PC with the addition of fly ash and blast furnace slag (CEM IV/B (V) 32,5 N and III/A 42.5 N/SR) have an I value close to 0.6. The I value of the CAC used in the manufacture of structural precast concrete is of the order of 1 mSv y-1. Some of the CAC used in refractory concrete reaches a value close to 2 mSv y-1.

Durability and compressive strength of blast furnace slag-based cement grout for special geotechnical applications

Special foundations, most prominently micropiles and soil anchors, are frequently used in construction today. In Spain, the grout for these special technical applications is generally prepared with portland cement, although the codes and standards in place stipulate only the minimum compressive strength required, with no mention of cement type. Those texts also establish a range of acceptable water:cement ratios. In the present study, durability and compressive strength in cement grout prepared with blast furnace slag cement at different w/c ratios are characterised and compared to the findings for a reference portland cement grout. The results show that slag grout exhibits greater durability than the portland cement material and complies with the compressive strength requirements laid down in the respective codes.

Mechanical Properties and Durability of CNT Cement Composites

In the present paper, changes in mechanical properties of Portland cement-based mortars due to the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and corrosion of embedded steel rebars in CNT cement pastes are reported. Bending strength, compression strength, porosity and density of mortars were determined and related to the CNT dosages. CNT cement paste specimens were exposed to carbonation and chloride attacks, and results on steel corrosion rate tests were related to CNT dosages. The increase in CNT content implies no significant variations of mechanical properties but higher steel corrosion intensities were observed.