Characterization of first sorption cycle of white Portland cement by 1H NMR

The work carried out is focused on the exploration of processes occurring in cement materials during sorption cycles by using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry. Long (months) and short (days-weeks) sorption cycles of cement materials were explored. The long cycle consists of around 6 months of drying and re-wetting cement samples of different sizes and water-to-cement (w/c) ratios in a homemade relative humidity (RH) chamber. Short cycles were performed by drying samples of different sizes and w/c ratios in the oven at 60 ˚C and re-wetting underwater. Different NMR techniques, such as one- and two-dimensional relaxometry and solid-signal analyses, were used to study the samples. Firstly, by the interpretation of quasi-continuous distributions of T2 relaxation time, we demonstrated that some reversible and irreversible changes concerning smaller porosity happened during the first sorption cycle. Secondly, using 2D NMR and a new 2D NMR inversion algorithm we showed preliminary results on the cement T1-T2 maps. Data obtained during sorption processes indicated possible water exchange between different pore populations inside the cement samples. Thirdly, the solid structure of cement samples was qualitatively investigated with T1 measurements and, as far as we know, for the first time interpreted with the Pake-Doublet theory. Changes in the solid structure were observed. Precisely variations of the amount of Ettringite during drying/wetting were proposed to take place. Finally, a work on NMR single-sided equipment design for in situ cement investigation was shown. The multi-cubic-blocks magnet structure design was performed using different specific CAD software, and the magnetic fields generated by RF coils of different geometries were investigated using a customized Matlab script. The single-sided NMR instrument equipped with the designed single-sided magnet and coil was built by the ERICA partner company MR Solutions (Abingdon, UK), and the preliminary results resultsated the correctness of the developed design.

Control of Concrete Deterioration Due to Trace Compounds in Deicers, HR-299 Phase I, 1988

This report presents the results of research on the influence of trace compounds from rock salt deicers on portland cement mortar and concrete. An evaluation of the deicers in stock throughout the state showed that about ninety-five percent contained enough sulfate to cause accelerated deterioration of concrete. Of the impurities found in rock salts, sulfate compounds of calcium and magnesium were found to be equally deleterious. Magnesium chloride was found to be innocuous. Introduction of fly ash eliminated the damage to portland cement mortar caused by sulfates. When used with frost resistant Alden aggregate in fly ash concrete and exposed to a variety of deicer brine compositions, the concrete did not deteriorate after exposure. With the exception of a high calcium brine, the behavior of the frost-prone Garrison aggregate was independent of deicer treatment; the high calcium brine reduced frost damage with this aggregate. Two approaches to reducing sulfate deterioration from deicers are suggested as (1) limiting the amount of sulfate to about 0.28 percent, and (2) making concrete sulfate-resistant by using fly ash. Techniques for making existing concrete deicer-sulfate-resistant are essential to a practical solution.

Estudo sobre a influência do massará no processo de formação de salitre em rebocos na região de Teresina - PI

This work had to verify the influence of massará, while mortar component, in the process of formation of saltpeter in cementitious plaster walls of buildings. The massará is a ceramic material, texture areno usually found in large volumes argillaceous sediments in Teresina, Piaui State capital, which is associated with the Portland cement mortar form for fixing and finishing in construction. Saltpeter or flowering is a pathology that happens in gypsum wallboard, which invariably reaction between soluble salts present in materials, water and oxygen. This pathology, supposedly credited to massará caused its use to suffer significant reduction in the market of the buildings. Verify this situation with particular scientific rigor is part of the proposal of this work. Grading tests Were performed, consistency limits (LL, LP and IP), determination of potential hydrogen, capacity Exchange (CTC), electrical conductivity (EC), x-ray fluorescence (FRX) and x-ray diffraction (DRX). Massará analysed samples in number six, including sample plastering salitrado presented potential hydrogen medium 5.7 in water and 5.2 on KCl n and electrical conductivity (EC), equal to zero. These results pointed to the affirmative that massará is a material that does not provide salinity content that can be taken into consideration. It is therefore concluded that the material analyzed not competing, at least with respect to the presence of soluble salts, for the formation of saltpeter

Morteros acumuladores con parafinas microencapsuladas para el aprovechamiento de la energía solar en suelos radiantes

Esta Tesis plantea la pregunta de si el uso de morteros con parafinas microencapsuladas combinado con colectores solares térmicos puede reducir el consumo de energías convencionales, en un sistema tradicional de suelo radiante. Se pretende contribuir al conocimiento acerca del efecto que produce en el edificio, el calor latente acumulado en suelos radiantes, utilizando morteros de cemento Portland con material de cambio de fase (PCM), en conjunto con la energía solar. Para cumplir con este propósito, la investigación se desarrolla considerando diversos aspectos. En primer lugar, se revisa y analiza la documentación disponible en la actualidad, de almacenamiento de energía mediante calor latente en la construcción, y en particular la aplicación de microcápsulas de PCM en morteros y suelos radiantes. También se revisa la documentación relacionada con la aplicación de la energía solar térmica y en suelo radiante. Se analiza la normativa vigente respecto al material, a los colectores solares y al suelo radiante. Se verifica que no hay normativa relacionada con mortero-PCM, debido a esto se aplica en la investigación una adaptación de la existente. La fase experimental desarrollada esta principalmente dirigida a la cuantificación, caracterización y evaluación de las propiedades físicas, mecánicas y térmicas del mortero de cemento Portland con parafinas microencapsuladas. Los resultados obtenidos y su análisis, permiten conocer el comportamiento de este tipo de morteros, con las diferentes variables aplicadas en la investigación. Además, permite disponer de la información necesaria, para crear una metodología para el diseño de morteros con parafina microencapsulada, tanto del punto de vista de su resistencia a la compresión y contenido de PCM, como de su comportamiento térmico como acumulador de calor. Esto se logra procesando la información obtenida y generando modelos matemáticos, para dosificar mezclas, y predecir la acumulación de calor en función de su composición. Se determinan los tipos y cantidades de PCM, y el cemento más adecuado. Se obtienen importantes conclusiones respecto a los aspectos constructivos a considerar en la aplicación de morteros con PCM, en suelo radiante. Se analiza y evalúa la demanda térmica que se puede cubrir con el suelo radiante, utilizando morteros con parafina microencapsulada, a través de la acumulación de energía solar producida por colectores solares, para condiciones climáticas, técnicas y tipologías constructivas específicas. Se determina que cuando los paneles cubren más de 60 % de la demanda por calefacción, se puede almacenar en los morteros con PCM, el excedente generado durante el día. Se puede cubrir la demanda de acumulación de energía con los morteros con PCM, en la mayoría de los casos analizados. Con esto, se determina que el uso de morteros con PCM, aporta a la eficiencia energética de los edificios, disminuyendo el consumo de energías convencionales, reemplazándola por energía solar térmica. En esta investigación, el énfasis está en las propiedades del material mortero de cemento-PCM y en poder generar metodologías que faciliten su uso. Se aborda el uso de la energía solar, para verificar que es posible su acumulación en morteros con PCM aplicados en suelo radiante, posibilitando el reemplazo de energías convencionales. Quedan algunos aspectos de la aplicación de energía solar a suelo radiante con morteros con PCM, que no han sido tratados con la profundidad que requieren, y que resultan interesantes de evaluar en este tipo de aplicaciones constructivas, como entre otros, los relacionados con la cuantificación de los ahorros de energía en las diferentes estaciones del año, de la estabilización de temperaturas internas, su análisis de costo y la optimización de este tipo de sistemas para utilización en verano, los que dan pie para otras Tesis o proyectos de investigación. ABSTRACT This Thesis proposes the question of whether the use of mortars with microencapsulated paraffin combined with solar thermal collectors can reduce conventional energy consumption in a traditional heating floor system. It aims to contribute to knowledge about the effect that it has on the building, the latent heat accumulated in heating floor, using Portland cement mortars with phase change material (PCM), in conjunction with solar energy. To fulfill this purpose, the research develops it considering various aspects. First, it reviews and analyzes the documentation available today, about energy storage by latent heat in the building, and in particular the application of PCM microcapsules in mortars and heating floors. It also reviews the documentation related to the application of solar thermal energy and heating floor. Additionally, it analyzes the current regulations regarding to material, solar collectors and heating floors. It verifies that there aren’t regulations related to PCM mortar, due to this, it applies an adaptation in the investigation. The experimental phase is aimed to the quantification, mainly, characterization and evaluation of physical, mechanical and thermal properties of Portland cement mortar with microencapsulated paraffin. The results and analysis, which allow us to know the behavior of this type of mortars with different variables applied in research. It also allows having the information necessary to create a methodology for designing mortars with microencapsulated paraffin, both from the standpoint of its resistance to compression and PCM content, and its thermal performance as a heat accumulator. This accomplishes by processing the information obtained, and generating mathematical models for dosing mixtures, and predicting heat accumulation depending on their composition. The research determines the kinds and amounts of PCM, and the most suitable cement. Relevant conclusions obtain it regarding constructive aspects to consider in the implementation of PCM mortars in heating floor. Also, it analyzes and evaluates the thermal demand that it can be covered in heating floor using microencapsulated paraffin mortars, through the accumulation of solar energy produced by solar collectors to weather conditions, technical and specific building typologies. It determines that if the panels cover more than 60% of the demand for heating, the surplus generated during the day can be stored in PCM mortars. It meets the demand of energy storage with PCM mortars, in most of the cases analyzed. With this, it determines that the use of PCM mortars contributes to building energy efficiency, reducing consumption of conventional energy, replacing it with solar thermal energy. In this research approaches the use of solar energy to determine that it’s possible to verify its accumulation in PCM mortars applied in heating floor, enabling the replacement of conventional energy. The emphasis is on material properties of PCM mortar and, in order to generate methodologies to facilitate their use. There are some aspects of solar energy application in PCM mortars in heating floor, which have not been discussed with the depth required, and that they are relevant to evaluate in this kind of construction applications, including among others: the applications related to the energy savings quantification in different seasons of the year, the stabilizing internal temperatures, its cost analysis and optimization of these systems for use in summer, which can give ideas for other thesis or research projects.

Estudo sobre a influência do massará no processo de formação de salitre em rebocos na região de Teresina - PI

This work had to verify the influence of massará, while mortar component, in the process of formation of saltpeter in cementitious plaster walls of buildings. The massará is a ceramic material, texture areno usually found in large volumes argillaceous sediments in Teresina, Piaui State capital, which is associated with the Portland cement mortar form for fixing and finishing in construction. Saltpeter or flowering is a pathology that happens in gypsum wallboard, which invariably reaction between soluble salts present in materials, water and oxygen. This pathology, supposedly credited to massará caused its use to suffer significant reduction in the market of the buildings. Verify this situation with particular scientific rigor is part of the proposal of this work. Grading tests Were performed, consistency limits (LL, LP and IP), determination of potential hydrogen, capacity Exchange (CTC), electrical conductivity (EC), x-ray fluorescence (FRX) and x-ray diffraction (DRX). Massará analysed samples in number six, including sample plastering salitrado presented potential hydrogen medium 5.7 in water and 5.2 on KCl n and electrical conductivity (EC), equal to zero. These results pointed to the affirmative that massará is a material that does not provide salinity content that can be taken into consideration. It is therefore concluded that the material analyzed not competing, at least with respect to the presence of soluble salts, for the formation of saltpeter

Swine deep bedding ashes as a mineral additive for cement based mortar

The sustainability of intensive swine production demands alternative destinations for the generated residues. Ashes from swine rice husk-based deep bedding were tested as a mineral addition for cement mortars. The ashes were obtained at 400 to 600ºC, ground and sieved through a 325 mesh sieve (# 0.045 mm). The characterization of the ashes included the determination of the index of pozzolanic activity with lime. The ashes were also tested as partial substitutes of Portland cement. The mortars were prepared using a cement:sand proportion of 1:1.5, and with water/cement ratio of 0.4. Three percentages of mass substitution of the cement were tested: 10, 20 and 30%. Mortar performances were assessed at 7 and 28 days determining their compressive strength. The chosen condition for calcinations at the laboratory scale was related to the maximum temperature of 600ºC since the resulting ashes contained vitreous materials and presented satisfactory values for the pozzolanic index under analysis. The pozzolanic activity indicated promising results for ashes produced at 600ºC as a replacement of up to 30% in cement masses.

Drying and autogenous shrinkage of pastes and mortars with activated slag cement

Activated slag cement (ASC) shows significantly higher shrinkage than ordinary Portland cement agglomerates. Cracking generated by shrinkage is one of the most critical drawbacks for broader applications of this promising alternative binder. This article investigates the relationship between ASC hydration, unrestrained drying and autogenous shrinkage of mortar specimens. The chemical and microstructure evolution due to hydration were determined on pastes by thermogravimetric analysis, conduction calorimetry and mercury porosimetry. Samples were prepared with ground blast furnace slag (BFS) activated with sodium silicate (silica modulus of 1.7) with 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5% of Na2O, by slag mass. The amount of activator is the primary influence on drying and autogenous shrinkage, and early hydration makes a considerable contribution to the total result, which increases with the amount of silica. Drying shrinkage occurred in two stages, the first caused by extensive water loss when the samples were exposed to the environment, and the second was associated with the hydration process and less water loss. Due to the refinement of ASC porous system, autogenous shrinkage is responsible for a significant amount of the total shrinkage. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cost efficiency and resistance to chemical attack of a fly ash geopolymeric mortar versus epoxy resin and acrylic paint coatings

This article presents results of an experimental investigation on the resistance to chemical attack (with sulphuric, hydrochloric and nitric acid) of several materials: OPC concrete, high-performance concrete, epoxy resin, acrylic painting and a fly ash-based geopolymeric mortar). Three types of acids with three high concentrations (10, 20 and 30%) were used to simulate long-term degradation. A cost analysis was also performed. The results show that the epoxy resin has the best resistance to chemical attack independently of the acid type and the acid concentration. However, the cost analysis shows that the epoxy resin-based solution is the least cost-efficient solution being 70% above the cost efficiency of the fly ash-based geopolymeric mortar.

Análise de Argamassas Com Substituição Parcial do Cimento Portland Por Cinza Residual de Lenha de Algaroba

With the increase in cement consumption, it has quickly become one of the inputs most consumed by mankind over the last century. This has caused an increase in CO2 emissions, as cement production releases large quantities of this gas into the atmosphere. Adding this fact to the growing consciousness of environmental preservation, it has led to a search for alternatives to cement to complement its derivatives, in the form of waste materials like the ashes. This research aimed to analyze the properties of mortars in fresh and hardened state with partial replacement of Portland cement by residual algaroba wood ash (CRLA) potteries produced by the state of Rio Grande do Norte. The CRLA was collected and sieved, where part of it was ground and characterized in comparison with that just sifted, being characterized according to its chemical composition, grain size, fineness, density, bulk density and index of pozzolanic activity. It was found that the wood ash does not act as pozzolan, and grinding it has not changed its characteristics compared to those just sifted, not justifying its use. Two traces were adopted for this research: 1:3 (cement: fine sand) and 1:2:8 (cement: hydrated lime: medium sand); both in volume, using as materials the CRLA just sifted, CP II F-32 Portland cement, CH-I hydrated lime, river sand and water from the local utility. For each trace were adopted six percentages of partial replacement of cement for wood ash: 0% (control) 5%, 7%, 10%, 12% and 15%. In the fresh state, the mortars were tested towards their consistency index and mass density. In the hardened state, they were tested towards their tensile strength in bending, compressive strength and tensile adhesion strength, and its mass density in the hardened state. The mortar was also analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, it was classified according to NBR 13281 (2005). The results showed that up to a content of 5% substitution and for both traces, the residual algaroba wood ash can replace Portland cement without compromising the mortars microstructure and its fresh and hardened state

Cinza de casca de arroz altamente reativa: método de produção, caracterização físico-química e comportamento em matrizes de cimento Portland

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Cimentos Portland aditivados com arenito zeolítico com propriedades pozolânicas

O uso adequado de pozolanas possibilita a produção de cimentos especiais, de menor custo de fabricação e de maior durabilidade que os correspondentes sem adição. O emprego dessas adições minerais possibilita ganhos significativos em termos de produtividade e uma extensão da vida útil dos equipamentos de produção e da própria jazida de calcário, também ajudando na diminuição de CO2 lançado na atmosfera. As zeólitas têm sido utilizadas como material pozolânico em misturas com "terras vulcânicas" e água nas construções desde o tempo do antigo Império Romano. Nos dias atuais, existem muitas discussões envolvendo reatividade pozolânica das zeólitas naturais na incorporação dos cimentos Portland. Na Região nordeste do Brasil, zeólitas sedimentares relacionadas a arenitos da Bacia do Parnaíba foram descobertas pelo Serviço Geológico do Brasil nos anos 2000. Estes arenitos são constituídos em sua maioria de quartzo, zeólitas naturais (estilbita) e argilominerais (esmectita). Estudos preliminares constataram que este arenito pode ser empregado como material pozolânico em sistemas a base de cimento Portland, desde que o material seja peneirado para remoção do quartzo e ativado termicamente, uma vez que a estilbita é uma zeólita de baixa atividade pozolânica. O objetivo geral desse trabalho foi determinar qual proporção de arenito zeolítico ativado termicamente proporciona melhores propriedades mineralógicas e mecânicas ao cimento Portland. No programa experimental empregou-se o arenito zeolítico passante na peneira 200# e calcinado à temperatura de 500ºC. A análise química das amostras foi realizada por espectroscopia de fluorescência de raios-x e a caracterização mineralógica por difração de raios-x e análise termogravimétrica e termodiferencial. O comportamento da hidratação dos cimentos foi avaliado através de calorimetria de condução, difratometria de raio-X e análises termodiferencial e termogravimétricas. Para avaliação da atividade pozolânica foi adotado um ensaio mecânico de resistência à compressão em argamassas cimento Portland (CP I -S) e areia, com percentuais de substituição de cimento por arenito de 10, 20 e 30%. Os resultados mostraram que o arenito zeolítico calcinado com a percentual de substituição de 10% proporcionou às argamassas melhor resultado tem termos de resistência à compressão simples, contudo estudos mais aprofundados de durabilidade e a idades mais avançadas podem indicar que teores mais elevados do arenito zeolítico podem também ser apropriados para a produção de concretos, principalmente em obras de infraestrutura como barragens, canais, entre outras.

Expansion of mortar bars in the presence of potassium acetate deicer

Carboxylate-based deicing and anti-icing chemicals became widely used in the mid 1990s, replacing more environmentally burdensome chemicals. Within a few years of their adoption, distress of portland cement concrete runways was reported by a few airports using the new chemicals. Distress manifested characteristics identical to that of alkali silica reactivity (ASR), but onset occurred early in the pavement’s operating life and with pavements thought to contain innocuous aggregate. The carboxylate-based deicing chemicals were suspected of exacerbating ASR-like expansion. Innocuous, moderately, and highly reactive aggregates were tested using modified ASTM C1260 and ASTM C1567 procedures with soak solutions containing deicer solutions and sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. ASR-like expansion is exacerbated in the presence of potassium acetate. The expansion rate produced by a given aggregate is also a function of the alkali hydroxide used. Petrographic analyses were performed on thin sections prepared from mortar bars used in the experiments. Expansion occurred via two mechanisms; rupture of aggregate grains and expansion of paste.

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.

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.