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Waste sludge, a solid recovered from wastewater of photovoltaic-industries, composes of agglomerates of nano-particles like SiO2 and CaCO3. This sludge deflocculates in aqueous solutions into nano-particles smaller than 1 µm. Thus, this sludge constitutes a potentially hazardous waste when it is improperly disposed. Due to its high content of amorphous SiO2, this sludge has a potential use as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) in concrete. In this study the main properties of three different samples of photovoltaic's silica-rich waste sludge (nSS) were physically and chemically characterized. The characterization techniques included: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physical adsorption isotherm (BET method), density by Helium pycnometry, particle size distribution determined by laser light scattering (LLS) and zeta-potential measurements by dynamic light scattering (DLS). In addition, a dispersability study was performed to design stable slurries to be used as liquid additives for the concrete production on site. The effects on the hydration kinetics of cement pastes by the incorporation of nSS in the designed slurries were determined using an isothermal calorimeter. A compressive strength test of standard mortars with 7% of cement replacement was performed to determine the pozzolanic activity of the waste nano-silica sludge. Finally, the hardened system was fully characterized to determine the phase composition. The results demonstrate that the nSS can be utilized as SCM to replace portion of cement in mortars, thereby decreasing the CO2 footprint and the environmental impact of concrete.
Varying ambient temperatures in plants or on construction sites during casting of SCC can cause serious problems affecting the fresh concrete performances, such as rheological properties and setting time, with consequences for the hardened properties in the structure. By sensible choices of the components, the robustness of SCC mixtures against temperature variations can be improved. However, this aspect has not been the focus of intensive research yet. In this study the effects of varied ambient temperatures on the early performance of differently composed SCC mixtures are investigated, with emphasis on changes in rheology, early deformations, heat evolution and setting. Focus is placed on the study of the influence of the polycarboxylate ether molecule type as well as different viscositymodifying agents on the temperature robustness. Effects on the relevance for practical concrete applications are evaluated, which will provide a reliable framework of possible actions on the appropriate use of admixtures for SCC.
Effects of amorphous nano-silica additions on mechanical and durability performance of SCC mixtures
(2012)
In the recent years the application of nanotechnology in building materials has increased
exponentially. One of the most referred and used nano-materials is amorphous silica with
particles size in the nano-range, even though its application and effect in concrete has not been
fully understood yet. It has been reported that nano-silica (nS) addition increases the
compressive strength and reduces the overall permeability of hardened concrete due to the
pozzolanic properties which are resulting in finer hydrated phases (C-S-H gel) and densified
microstructure (nano-filler and anti leaching effects). These effects enhance the durability of
concrete structures such as bridges, quays or off-shore oil facilities in marine environments.
In this study two different types of nano-silica were applied in self-compacting concrete (SCC),
both having similar particle size distributions (PSD) but produced in two different processes
(fumed powder silica and precipitated silica in colloidal suspension). The influence of nanosilica
on SCC was investigated with respect to the properties of concrete in the fresh state
(workability) and hardened state (mechanical properties and durability). Additionally, the
densification of microstructure of the hardened concrete was verified by SEM and EDS analyses.
The obtained results demonstrate that an efficient use of nano-silica in SCC can improve its
mechanical properties and durability. Considering the reactivity of the two nano-silica studied,
colloidal type shown more reactivity at early age, which influenced all the final SCC properties.
Since its invention in the early 1990’s, self-consolidating concrete has never become well established in the ready-mix sectors worldwide. The reason for this can be mainly found in the fact that the sophisticated compositions are sensitive against changing environments. This lack of robustness can be attributed to the interaction between cement hydration reaction and high range water reducing agent (HRWRA). Understanding the relevant mechanisms that control the initial flow performance as well as the flow retention helps optimizing SCC mixtures that perform either steadily in one specific environment or that perform largely similarly at steadily changing environments.
This paper depicts how HRWRAs interact with clinker and hydration phases and discusses the important role of the charge density of a polycarboxylic HRWRA in the way the rheology is affected. Based on rheometric results and observations of the Vicat setting times, it is shown that increasing charge densities of the HRWRA and decreasing water to powder ratios (w/p) reduce the flow retention and have lesser retarding effect on the setting. Based on the discussion, optimization procedures for the mixture composition and the HRWRA modification are suggested to achieve optimized performance for varying environmental situations or highest robustness for specific conditions.
Selbstverdichtender Beton verhält sich unter Temperatureinfluss anders als Normalbeton, da die Rheologie neben der fortschreitenden Hydratation zusätzlich durch die von der Zeit und dem Hydratationsfortschritt abhängige Adsorption von Fließmitteln beeinflusst wird. Anhand rheometrischer Betonversuche an SVB unterschiedlicher Entwurfskonzepte mit variierter anionischer Ladungsdichte im Fließmittel wird verdeutlicht, dass mehlkornreiche SVB bei niedrigen Temperaturen sehr robust sind, während bei hohen Temperaturen mehlkornärmere Entwürfe zu bevorzugen sind. Darüber hinaus wird gezeigt, wie sich unterschiedliche Fließmittelmodifikationen in bestimmten Temperaturbereichen verhalten. Anhand des Wasser-Feststoff-Verhältnisses und des Adsorptionsverhaltens von Fließmitteln werden die maßgeblichen Prozesse erläutert und Möglichkeiten für die Entwicklung robuster Mischungen für individuelle Temperaturbereiche aufgeführt.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regarding the temperature dependent performance, self-compacting concrete (SCC) distinguishes from normal concrete, since its rheology does not only depend upon the hydration itself but supplementary upon the adsorption of superplasticizers, which is affected by the time and the hydration progress. Based on rheometric concrete investigations with different SCC mixture compositions and varied anionic charge densities of the superplasticizers, it is shown that SCC, which is rich in powder components, shows robust performance at low temperatures, while compositions with lower powder contents are favourable at high temperatures. Furthermore, the performance of different superplasticizer modifications at different temperature ranges is demonstrated. The relevant processes are explained by means of the water to powder ratio as well as the adsorption behaviour of superplasticizers, and options for the development of robust mixture compositions for individual temperature ranges are itemised.
Stabilising admixtures are commonly used additives in repair mortars and grouts. Beyond this, such type of admixture is increasingly used in concrete and other cementitious materials. In particular when fresh mortar or concrete properties have to be adjusted reliably, stabilising agents can be beneficially used to improve workability and robustness of the mixture. The mode of operation of these admixtures varies, rather affecting either the liquid phase or the solid particles in the dispersion, both causing strong interactions with the mortar or concrete system, and significant changes in their rheological behaviour. Furthermore, these are strongly affected by the environmental temperature during the casting process. In the paper the effect of temperature on the performance of stabilising agents in cementitious systems is presented and how performance changes affect fresh and hardening mortar or concrete properties. Particular attention is placed on interactions between stabilising agents and superplasticizers. Results are discussed with special focus on self-compacting concrete.
This paper presents experimental investigations and analyses on the early-age-behavior of zero-slump concrete, such as compaction behavior and green-strength. First, the influence of the granulometric properties of the fines is discussed in detail. For this purpose, the early-age behavior of two different fines (quartz flour and fly ash) is investigated by means of the intensive compaction test (IC-test). The tests on the influence of the fines focus on effects caused by differences in the particle shape and the use of a plasticizing admixture. The conducted tests on the compaction behavior of the fines and their corresponding green-strength are extended to continuously graded granular mixes. Here, the influence of optimized particle packing on the early-age behavior is presented and a comparison on the basis of the aforementioned quartz flour and fly ash is made. In this consideration, experimental investigations on the early-age behavior of a zero-slump concrete mix and possible effects on the hardened concrete properties are included.
This paper addresses the characterization of six different amorphous silica samples with respect to their application in cement paste. Different mixes are compared and analyzed using the mini spread-flow test. Also the granular properties, different void fraction states of packing and distribution moduli q are analyzed and compared using a mix design tool. A deformation coefficient is derived from the spread-flow test, which correlates with the value of specific surface area computed from the particle size distribution, and intrinsic density of the samples. Finally, the thickness of a constant water layer of 25 nm around the particles is computed at the onset of flowing. The granular analysis demonstrated that it is possible to decrease the water demand of the cement paste when nanoparticles are added and the resulting grading follows the modified Andreasen and Andersen curve (q = 0.5), and the concentration of nano silica is less than 5% bwoc.
Todays superplasticizers for self-compacting concrete and high Performance cementitious materials are very versatile. Typically superplasticizers are composed of a polycarboxylic backbone equipped with polyethylene oxide graft chains of variable length and grafting degree. The mode of operation of these admixtures is based on the steric repulsion of the particles upon adsorption. The adsorption is strongly depending upon the charge density of a superplasticizer and the time dependent Adsorption processes control the retention of the flow performance – an important issue particularly for ready-mix and construction site concrete. However, the properties of polycarboxylic superplasticizers typically remain a black box for users. The paper suggests a simple and rapid test method, which can be conducted without sophisticated equipment, to qualitatively distinguish between two types of superplasticizers based on the adsorption mechanism. Interpreting the results in the right way provides a powerful tool to choose the right admixture for individual time dependent flow specifications.
Polysaccharides provide high potential to be used as rheology modifying admixtures in mineral binder systems for the construction industry such as concrete or mortar. Since superplasticizers have become state of technology, today, concrete is more and more adjusted to flowable consistencies. This often goes along with the risk of segregation, which can be effectively avoided by adding stabilising agents supplementary to superplasticizers. Stabilising agents are typically based on polysaccharides such as cellulose, sphingan gum, or starch. Starch clearly distinguishes in its effect on rheology from other polysaccharides, mainly due to the strong influence of amylopectin on the dispersion and stabilisation of particles. Based on rheometric investigations on cementitious and limestone based dispersions with different volumetric water to solid ratios, the mode of operation of modified potato starch is explained in comparison to a sphingan gum. It is shown that the stabilising effect of starch in a coarsely dispersed system is mainly depending upon the water to solid ratio and that above a certain particle volume threshold starch mainly affects the dynamic yield stress of dispersions, while plastic viscosity is affected only to a minor degree. Sphingans operate more independent of the particle volume in a coarsely dispersed system and show significantly higher effect on the plastic viscosity than on the yield stress. In systems incorporating superplasticizers, influences of both stabilising agents on yield stress retreat into the background, while both observed polysaccharides maintain their effect on the plastic viscosity.
Innovative admixture technology has significantly widened up the ränge of possibilities of concrete engineers. For many decades the water to cement ratio (w/c) was the major influencing factor for the performance of concrete. Due to the need to adjust a consistency, which still allowed reasonable workability, the w/c was typically significantly higher than technologically reasonable. Rheology modifying admixtures Support adjusting the concrete consistency largely independent of the w/c. It was only after the invention of the first superplasticizers that modern concrete technology significantly evolved in terms of flowability, strength, and durability, and only due to the steady evolution of the technology modern innovations, such as Self-Compacting Concrete, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, or Engineered Cementitious Composites were made possible. Today’s superplasticizers are extremely versatile and can be adjusted to individual technological specifications. However, the other side of the coin of versatility is that cementitious Systems incorporating superplasticizers have become more sensitive against environmental influences, such as the environmental temperature, which may cause unwanted effects or demand for supplementary admixture use such as stabilizing admixtures. Hence, concrete mixture composition with admixtures demands for a high level of expertise and offen there is lack of awareness about the mode of Operation of rheology modifying admixtures among concrete technologists. The paper gives a comprehensive overview about rheology modifying admixtures such as superplasticizers or stabilizing agents, and how they can be used depending upon the application in the most favourable way. Based on experiences with the sub-Saharan African concreting boundary conditions, which exhibit many challenges in terms of environmental boundary conditions and construction site logistics, conclusions are finally drawn, how admixtures can be used in the most beneficial way to improve the concrete casting Situation.
ln order to observe the influence of stabilising agents (STA) based on starch and diutan gum, rheometric experiments and setting tests were conducted on cement pastes with and without PCE superpiasticizers. The results show that with regard to yield stress both STAs show differing behaviours in Systems without PCE. In presence of PCE, yield stress infiuences of the STAs retreat into the background. The Vicat results exhibit that STAs can reduce the retard ing effect of PCE.
One-part geopolymers offer advantages over conventional geopolymers with regard to handling and storage of feedstocks. However, they often suffer from a low degree of reaction, a high amount of crystalline byproducts, and consequently low strength. In this study, one-part geopolymers were produced from rice husk ash (RHA) and sodium aluminate, and investigated by XRD, ATR-FTIR, SEM and compressive strength testing. The compressive strength of the material was 30 MPa, i.e. significantly higher than for comparable one-part geopolymers. This is attributed to an almost complete reaction of the RHA and the absence of crystalline byproducts (zeolites) in the hardened geopolymer.
During the past 20 years, innovative developments in concrete technology have enabled the production of ultra-high performance fibre reinforced concretes (UHPFC) for the protection and preservation of concrete structures. The main characteristics of UHPFC comprise high compressive and flexural strength as well as high ductility compared to normal strength, normal weight concrete (NSC). This paper focuses on the analysis of crack formation and crack propagation in UHPFC under tensile loading under quasistatic conditions by using acoustic emission (AE) and optical deformation analysis (ODA).
AE is a non-destructive technique to monitor the development of micro structural damage processes caused by external forces. In this context, AE allows for a continuous monitoring of changes in the microstructure (cracks) over time and the corresponding localisation by appropriate algorithms. The AE measurements were performed along with ODA at the surface of the samples in order to analyse the deformation behaviour of the samples and the crack propagation.
For the tests, a UHPFC reference mixture was developed and tested with three different volume percentages of steel fibres (1.0 V.-%, 2.0 V.-%, and 3.0 V.-%). This paper shows that the application of AE is a suitable method to analyse the crack propagation in UHPFC specimens under tensile loading and to localise the crack initiation. Furthermore, insights into the failure mechanism of the fibres are offered by the analysis of the signals of the AE measurements, which allows for a better understanding of UHPFC and its general performance.
In this study two different types of nano-silica (nS) were applied in self-compacting concrete (SCC), both having similar particle size distributions (PSD), but produced through two different processes: fumed powder silica and precipitated silica in colloidal suspension. The influence of nano-silica on SCC was investigated with respect to the properties of concrete in fresh (workability) and hardened state (mechanical properties and durability). Additionally, the densification of the microstructure of the hardened concrete was verified by SEM and EDS analyses. The obtained results demonstrate that nano-silica efficiently used in SCC can improve its mechanical properties and durability. Considering the reactivity of the two applied nano-silicas, the colloidal type showed a higher reactivity at early age, which influenced the final SCC properties.
The production and processing of ordinary Portland cement are responsible for nearly 5% of the world C02 emissions. Due to the world’s increasing requirement for building materials, this air pollution is growing up in the next decades. Alternative cement such as geopolymers can reduce these emissions effectively, Conventional geopolymer binders, produced ffom fly ash or metakaolin as aluminosilicate source and water-glass or alkali hydroxide Solutions as activator, are often used and studied. It is known that under appropriate conditions the starting materials form a three-dimensional aluminosilicate structure and create a gel-like matrix, In our case, a silica source from wastewater treatment of chlorosilane production and solid sodium aluminate as starting materials are initiated to harden by water. This procedure is known as “just add water” or “one-part” geopolymer formulation. These composites have significant advantages for use on construction site, but their Chemical structure is not extensively analyzed. In this work, a well known one-part geopolymer is investigated by 'H and 27A1 magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy. Furthermore, it is shown that overlapping NMR lines can resolved with echo experiments and
The fresh behaviour of self-compacting concrete (SCC) at varying temperatures differs from that of normal vibrated concrete. This is because the rheology of SCC depends not only on degree of cement hydration, but also on the adsorption of superplasticizers – mostly polycarboxylate based polymers (PCE) -, which is affected by the time and hydration progress. Due to the variety of PCEs and mixture compositions for SCC a prediction of the rheology at varying temperatures is complicated. The charge densities of PCEs as well as the water to solid ratio in the paste are identified to be the main decisive parameters for robust fresh concrete properties.
Rheometric concrete investigations with different SCC mixture compositions and varied anionic charge densities of the PCE were conducted. SCC which is rich in powder components showed robust performance at low temperatures while SCC with low powder content was favourable at high temperatures. High charge density PCE pointed out to be very robust at low temperatures but at high temperatures it significantly reduced the flow retention. Low charge density PCE could not generate self-compacting properties at low temperatures but retained the flow performance over sufficiently long time. Based on considerations about particle interactions and adsorption mechanisms of PCEs, the relevant processes are explained and options for the development of robust mixture compositions for individual temperature ranges are itemised.
Innovative admixture technology has significantly widened up the ränge of possibilities of concrete engineers. For many decades the water to cement ratio (w/c) was the major influencing factor for the performance of concrete. Due to the need to adjust a consistency, which still allowed reasonable workability, the w/c was typically significantly higher than technologically reasonable. Rheology modifying admixtures Support adjusting the concrete consistency largely independent of the w/c. It was only after the invention of the first superplasticizers that modern concrete technology significantly evolved in terms of flowability, strength, and durability, and only due to the steady evolution of the technology modern innovations, such as Self-Compacting Concrete, Ultra-High-Performance Concrete, or Engineered Cementitious Composites were made possible. Today’s superplasticizers are extremely versatile and can be adjusted to individual technologicalspecifications. However, the other side of the coin of versatility is that cementitious Systems incorporating superplasticizers have become more sensitive against environmental influences, such as the environmental temperature, which may cause unwanted effects or demand for supplementary admixture use such as stabilizing admixtures. Hence, concrete mixture composition with admixtures demands for a high level of expertise and offen there is lack of awareness about the mode of Operation of rheology modifying admixtures among concrete technologists. The paper gives a comprehensive overview about rheology modifying admixtures such as superplasticizers or stabilizing agents, and how they can be used depending upon the application in the most favourable way. Based on experiences with the sub-Saharan African concreting boundary conditions, which exhibit many challenges in terms of environmental boundary conditions and construction site logistics, conclusions are finally drawn, how admixtures can be used in the most beneficial way to improve the concrete casting Situation.
Today polycarboxylate ether based superplasticizer (PCE) is commonly used in concrete technology when high flow properties and water reduction are specified. The ionic strength of the polymers’ backbones determines the adsorption behaviour of polymers on clinker and early hydration products. The amount of required polymers for specified flow properties and the performance over the time of casting is thus determined by the molecular structure of the superplasticizer. The time depending consumption of polycarboxylate ether polymers strongly affects the reaction of aluminates and sulphate ions as well as the hydration process in general. Hence, the choice of polymers for particular flow properties greatly affects the very early properties of cementitious materials such as setting, heat evolution and autogenous deformations.
In order to better understand how PCEs influence the early properties, mixes from cement, limestone filler, viscosity modifying agent and water were varied with a high and a low charge density superplasticizer in differing amounts. Results are presented from measurements with an automatic Vicat device, an isothermal heat flow calorimeter, and shrinkage cones. Tests were conducted at 5, 20, and 30 °C.
It is shown that in presence of PCE the final set correlates well with the inflexion point of the heat flow curve, which emphasises the interrelation between C-S-H formation and setting. No such clear correlation can be found for the initial set, which is attributed to the fact that the initial set is rather a rheological than a structural phenomenon, so that other effects overlap with C-S-H formation. The results demonstrate that for a given polymer concentration low charge density polymers yield earlier setting than high charge polymers. However, this influence is overridden by the influence of the total amount of polymers in a cementitious system. Since PCE is typically added according to rheological specifications, and low charge PCE typically requires higher amounts of polymers than high charge PCE for comparable flow performance, low charge PCE retards setting more than high charge PCE.
The paper furthermore points out that there is no significant influence of the polymer type or amount on the early deformations. Since type and amount strongly affect the hydration, it is demonstrated that early setting causes higher strain after the final set. It is hence concluded that higher PCE solid contents reduce the risk of early cracks that occur at time of setting, when a solid structure has already been formed but without resistance against cracks yet.
The cement and concrete market in East, Central and Southern Africa is highly fragmented. The concrete industry in this area consists of multiple parties, including producers and suppliers of construction materials, formal and informal contractors, engineers and architects, unions of trades persons and workmen, governmental bodies and formal institutions of research and education. All these institutions mostly do not interact adequately, which makes building with cementitious materials susceptible to damage and failures. Completely opposed to the situation in Europe or North America, cement in Africa is often unaffordable, while manpower is cheap, which results in a questionable economisation of cement. Typically, there is not sufficient awareness of methods to sensibly reducing the cement content in concrete or replace Ordinary Portland Cement by adequate alternative materials. Research activities in this field of technology are often missing completely. Only few countries in the area, such as South Africa, are exempted from these issues.
This paper presents the SPIN project, which is a joint project of a consortium of 8 African and 3 European partners within the ACP Science and Technology Programme. The project is funded by the EC and ACP Secretariat is the project body. The main objective of the current project is to strengthen the cement and concrete industry in the East and Central African regions. The project shall generate reasonable solution strategies to implement clean, safe and sustainable cement and concrete technology on the African continent, including general and specific guidelines for sensible application. Furthermore it shall be the kick-off for future projects, research activities and the world-wide expansion of a European-African network.
The paper addresses special problems the cement and concrete market in Eastern, Central and Southern African countries has to face. Several options are presented in detail, which shall help overcoming the current situation. Customized solutions for the African market include rational methods for reducing the amount of cement used and the replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement with cheaper alternatives. The use of recycled concrete through a new and economically effective method, as well as the opportunity of using locally available resources is also discussed.
Geopolymers are promising alkali activated materials with a wide range of possible applications like heat-resistant coatings and adhesives or concretes with lower C02 emissions than conventional Portland cement-based systems. Conventional ("two-part") geopolymers are synthesized by an activation of aluminosilicate feedstocks like metakaolin or blast furnace slags with highly alkaline solutions like sodium hydroxide solutions and/or water glass solutions.
A more recent approach are so called one-part geopolymers, where the alkaline activator is provided in solid form, so that only water has to be added to initiate the geopolymerisation reaction. The handling of alkaline solutions is avoided, which possesses several advantages compared to conventional geopolymers, in particular regarding safety and health issues, and, thus, it improves economic and social acceptance of these binders. However, the new formulations are less exhaustively studied and the knowledge about conventional geopolymers cannot simply be transferred to this new class of binders.
One-part geopolymers were synthesized from two different silica materials (a silica-rich residue from chlorosilane production and a commercial microsilica) and sodium aluminate at three different SiO2/Al2O3 ratios and a nominal water/solids ratio of 0.5. The degree of reaction of the silica in the cured geopolymers (i.e. the fraction of silica dissolved to form aluminosilicates and minor products) was determined using two different methods: chemical attack with HCl to dissolve the reaction products and evaluation of peak areas of 29Si MAS NMR spectra. It was found that the degree of reaction of the silica decreases with increasing the silica content of the starting mix, and that it is almost constant after 1 day of curing and almost independent from the kind of starting silica. From the results of the NMR-based method, the mean SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of the reaction products (aluminosilicates and minor products) can be estimated to be ca. 2.0, nearly independent of the starting composition of the geopolymers. The dissolution method is biased, but of sufficient precision to be useful for following changes of the degree of reaction. Major crystalline phases in the cured geopolymers are zeolite A and/or hydrosodalite. Depending on the starting composition, the relative amounts of these zeolites vary; additionally, sodalite (only for the residue from chlorosilane production with >1 wt% Cl-), faujasite, and zeolite EMT can appear in the geopolymers. The 29Si and 27Al MAS NMR results indicate mainly Si(4Al) and Al(4Si) sites, in line with the presence of zeolite A, hydrosodalite, sodalite, and geopolymeric gel of comparatively low SiO2/Al2O3 ratio.
This contribution presents the results of structural and compressive strength investigations on cured andhigh-temperature treated silica-based one-part geopolymer-zeolite composites. The specimens weresynthesized from two different silica sources, sodium aluminate and water. The phase content as well asthe compressive strength of the cured composites varied depending on the starting mix-design and thesilica feedstock. Besides geopolymeric gel, A-type zeolites and hydrosodalites were the major reactionproducts. One of the silica feedstocks yielded significantly higher compressive strength (19 MPa), whilethe other one appears to cause less variation in phase content. Strength testing indicated an improvementon heating up to
200–400 °C (28 MPa) followed by a moderate decrease up to 700 °C. Above 700 °C the sys-tems underwent new phase formation and shrinkage (volume decrease) deformations. After exposureat 1000 °C the different mixes consisted of a mix of several stuffed silica phases, almost pure hexago-nal nepheline or amorphous phase. Depending on the mix-design, the onset temperature of the hightemperature phase transformations varied.
One-part alkali-activated (geopolymer) mortars based on three different silica-rich starting materials and sodium aluminate, with and without ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) addition, were tested regarding sulfuric acid resistance according to DIN 19573:2016-03 (70 days at pH = 1). Corresponding pastes were characterized by XRD, SEM, chemical analysis, 29Si MAS NMR and 1H-29Si CPMAS NMR after water storage and after acid exposure. The mortars exhibited a high resistance against sulfuric acid attack, with the best ones conforming to the requirements of DIN 19573:2016-03. The analytical results showed that this was due to precipitation of silica gel at the acid-mortar interface, which formed a mechanically stable layer that protected the subjacent mortar and thus inhibited further degradation. The addition of GGBFS decreased the acid resistance via formation of expansive calcium sulfate phases.
The high demand for sustainable and durable building materials requires profound knowledge on the material properties. In this respect, the phenomena occurring at nano-level are of crucial importance for the design of new building materials. Therefore, all around the world, increasing amounts of funding are being directed to research projects dealing with material properties on nano-level, which is claimed to have tremendous potential for the future. One of the most referred to and used cementitious nano-material is amorphous silica with a particle size in the nano-range, even though its application and effects on concrete have not been fully understood yet. Olivine (Mg,Fe)2Si04 is the fastest weathering siiicate mineral dissolving easily in acid. Düring dissolution in acid the metallic ions (Mg2+,Fe2+) are replaced by H+, yielding Si(OH)4 monomers and metallic ions in solution. After cleaning treatments an amorphous nano-silica is obtained. The produced olivine nano-silica (OnS) has a specific surface area between 100 and 400 m2/g, the size of the primary particles, which are agglomerated in Clusters, ranges from 10 to 25 nm and the impurity content is below 5 % IV. Literature related with the application of OnS in cement based materials is scarce; only one research work performed by Justnes and Ostnor 121 is available. Thus, the effect of adding OnS in cement based Systems has been not studied. Based on this, the present research aims on elucidating the effects of OnS in the fresh and hardened state of cement pastes and mortars.
To design robust self-consolidating concrete (SCC) for various environmental conditions, it is essential to understand the relevant mechanisms that control the flow performance. This paper depicts how high range water reducing agents (HRWRAs) interact with clinker and hydration phases, and it discusses the important role of the charge density of polycarboxylic HRWRAs in the way the rheology is affected. Based on the rheometric investigations on SCC mixture compositions with different water to powder ratios (w/p) and observations of their pastes' Vicat setting times, the study shows that increasing charge densities of the HRWRA and decreasing w/p reduce the flow retention and have lesser retarding effect on the setting. Based on the test results and discussions optimization procedures for the mixture composition and the HRWRA modification are suggested to achieve optimized performance for varying environmental situations and highest robustness for specific conditions.
Einkomponentige alkaliaktivierte Bindemittel (AAB), d. h. AAB, bei denen der Aktivator als Feststoff im Bindemittel vorliegt, weisen Vorteile hinsichtlich der praktischen Anwendung im Bauwesen gegenüber konventionellen AAB auf. Einkomponentige AAB lassen sich als Gemische aus reaktiver Silica und Natriumaluminat herstellen, wobei die Reaktionsprodukte von der eingesetzten Silica und den Verhältnissen Na2O/Al2O3/SiO2/H2O abhängen: Während Mikrosilica und ähnliche Reststoffe zu zeolithreichen Produkten führen, erhält man aus Reisschalenasche vollständig amorphe Gele (sog. «Geopolymere »). Mörtel auf Basis solcher Bindemittel entsprechen den Anforderungen von DIN 19573:2016-03 hinsichtlich des Widerstands gegen Schwefelsäureangriff (Prüfung bei pH = 1 für 70 d) und sind damit potentiell als Reparatursysteme für Abwasserinfrastruktur geeignet. Untersuchungen mittels 29Si-MAS-NMR und 1H-29Si-Kreuzpolarisations(CP)-MAS-NMR sowie REM-Aufnahmen von erhärteten und dem Schwefelsäureangriff ausgesetzten AAB zeigen, dass der hohe Säurewiderstand v. a. auf die Fällung von Silicagel an der Grenzfläche Mörtel/Säure zurückzuführen ist, wodurch der Korrosionsfortschritt in darunterliegenden Schichten verlangsamt wird.
One-part geopolymers, synthesized from three different silica sources and sodium aluminate, were investigated regarding their microstructure and the evolution of their compressive strength on curing at slightly elevated temperatures. The effect of thermal treatment was studied up to 1000 °C and for the investigation of the chemical durability specific samples were treated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4, pH = 1).
Depending on the silica feedstock, different degrees of reaction were observed. One of the silicas had a significantly higher reactivity. For two of the silicas, significant amounts of zeolites occurred as reaction products besides geopolymeric gel, whereas the more reactive silica source lead to the formation of a rather fully condensed geopolymeric network.
The composites indicated promising behavior on heating in so far as no distinct shrinkage step occurred in the temperature range of dehydration. Up to 400 °C the residual strength of those mixes increased. Above 800 °C the samples underwent new phase formation. After exposure to sulfuric acid (pH 1; 70 d) specimens showed a residual compressive strength of about 77 % of the reference, indicating high acid resistance.
Polysaccharides are incorporated into cement based Systems in order to modify the rheological properties. Typically, cellulose ethers, sphingan gums, guar gum or starch ethers are applied. Depending upon their chemistry, molecular architecture, and adsorption tendency, polysaccharides interact differently with the entire cementitious system. Some stabilising agents like diutan gum mainly affect the cementitious paste; other stabilising agents like starch tend to interact with the sand fraction and even with the coarse aggregates. Cellulose and guar gum shows more diverse performances.
Typically stabilising admixtures like polysaccharides are used, when sophisticated rheological properties are adjusted. Therefore, polysaccharides are often used in combination with superplasticisers, which are added to reduce the yield stress of concrete. This can cause interactions, particularly when the stabilising Agent shows a strong tendency to adsorb on particle surfaces. Adsorptive stabilising agents may reduce the amount of adsorbed superplasticisers, thus affecting both viscosity and yield stress, while non-adsorptive stabilising agents mainly affect the plastic viscosity independently of the superplasticiser. Due to the strong influence of superplasticisers on the yield stress, influences of the stabilising agent on the yield stress retreat into the background, so that their major effect is an increase of the plastic viscosity.
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of how different polysaccharide superplasticisers affect cementitious flowable systems and points out the challenges of the combined use of polysaccharides and superplasticisers. Based on rheometric experiments and observations of the hydration process, time dependent effects on the workability as well as of the hydration of cement are presented and discussed.
Mortars for application on concrete, e.g. repair mortars or protective coatings, need to have a durable bond to the substrate. This bond is determined by the adhesion between the two materials and by the differential deformations of the mortar and the substrate. In the present contribution, the hygric deformations (shrinkage/expansion) of novel one-part alkali-activated mortars and their bond to concrete substrates are studied. Shrinkage of the mortars was studied at 50 % r.H., while expansion was studied on mortars stored over an open water surface (> 99% r.H.). The bond behaviour was studied by pull-off tests according to DIN EN 1542 and by optical microscopy.
The alkali-activated mortars exhibit hygric deformations much lower than the deformations of an established, commercial mortar for sewer maintenance that was tested as reference in parallel with the alkali-activated mortars. The bond behaviour of the alkali-activated mortars depends strongly on their mix-design and curing. Optical microscopy showed that in the
mortars with lower bond strength, cracks developed in the mortar during curing. Mortars with appropriate mix-design and curing did not exhibit cracking, and their pull-off strength (up to >3 MPa) conformed to the requirements of relevant standards.