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The accelerated concrete prism test (ACPT-60 °C) facilitates testing of alkali-silica reactivity of aggregates within five months. Manual measurement is usually conducted to determine expansion of test specimen every 28 days. This conventional procedure gives only limited insight to expansion behaviour of ASR-affected prisms. Due to the large time intervals, expansion exceeding the critical value of 0.3 mm/m is likely to be noticed late. Continuous recording resolves this problem and delivers beneficial information on the shape of the expansion curve.
Displacement transducers integrated into a special testing equipment developed at BAM put continuous measurement into practice. Additionally, ultrasonic velocity and acoustic emissions are measured in-situ and provide deeper insights into hydration and crack formation processes during the test.
Aiming for an automated testing method close to the German guideline, the following technical and methodical challenges arise. Changing of the vertical orientation of the prisms with every manual measurement as standardised cannot be implemented. Furthermore, preliminary results already proved true that cooling and heating cycles, as necessarily associated with each manual measurement, can evoke additional expansion. Therefore, interrupted and continuously measured expansions reveal systematic differences, indicating the necessity to adjust the threshold expansion value for automated testing.
Results presented in the paper: Different types of reactive aggregate have been tested applying continuous and manual expansion measurement to the concrete specimens. Development of continuously measured ultrasonic velocity and acoustic emissions of the aggregates tested diverge significantly while the expansion curves vary in shape and maximum strain. Prisms produced from a slowly reacting aggregate do not exhibit noticeable crack formation. It shows that comprehensive measuring helps describing and distinguishing ASR-damage mechanisms.
Models of ASR-induced expansion, available in the open literature, so far are validated with discontinuous data hardly tracing the modelled curve. Continuous measurement improves validation and further model development.
A further improvement of the excellent properties of UHPC can be realized with thermal Treatment. Like for normal concrete, it accelerates the hardening and prevents shrinkage after the treatment. Additionally, an increase in strength can be achieved. Aim of this study was the optimisation of the thermal Treatment conditions of UHPC for very different Treatment methods; heat Treatment at 90 °C for unprotected and sealed samples, hot water bath at 90 °C and hydrothermal Treatment at 185 °C/1.1 MPa. The pre-storage time and the dwell time were systematically varied for each method to gain a higher strength. The compressive strength depends on the manner of Treatment at which higher water accessibility leads to higher strengths. The Phase composition changes considerably with different Treatment tempereatures. Finally, it can activate unhydrated binder components forming additional C-S-H, leading to higher strength.
In concrete elements, simultaneously subjected to cyclic loadings and external alkalis, the risk for damage caused by or under participation of an alkali-silica reaction (ASR) is particularly high. This is of particular concern for concrete pavements due to the increasing heavy vehicle traffic and the application of sodium chloride (NaCl) de-icer during winter. Since 2004, the climate simulation concrete prism test (CS-CPT) has been used successfully to evaluate job mixtures for pavements by considering the impact of alkali-containing de-icers. However, the role of mechanical predamage on ASR is largely unclear. In a joint research project, the CS-CPT has been used to investigate the influence of preexisting microcracks on ASR. It was evident that an ASR initiated earlier in the predamaged concrete prisms due to the more rapid ingress of NaCl solution through the microcracks.
A further improvement of the excellent properties of UHPC can be realized with thermal Treatment. Like for normal concrete, it accelerates the hardening and prevents shrinkage after the treatment. Additionally, an increase in strength can be achieved. Aim of this study was the optimisation of the thermal Treatment conditions of UHPC for very different Treatment methods; heat Treatment at 90 °C for unprotected and sealed samples, hot water bath at 90 °C and hydrothermal Treatment at 185 °C/1.1 MPa. The pre-storage time and the dwell time were systematically varied for each method to gain a higher strength. The compressive strength depends on the manner of Treatment at which higher water accessibility leads to higher strengths. The Phase composition changes considerably with different Treatment tempereatures. Finally, it can activate unhydrated binder components forming additional C-S-H, leading to higher strength.
Die Klinkerphasenbildung durch Sinterung in Drehrohröfen bei der Herstellung von Portlandzementklinker (PZK) ist gründlich erforscht und optimiert. Im Hinblick auf mögliche ökonomische und ökologische Vorteile befassen sich aktuelle Forschungsvorhaben darüber hinaus mit der Herstellung von Klinkermineralen aus Stahlwerksschlacken, die eine vergleichbare chemische Zusammensetzung aufweisen.
Neuste Untersuchungen zeigen, dass nach der reduzierenden Behandlung schmelzflüssiger Linz-Donawitz-(LD)-Schlacken und Abscheidung des gebildeten metallischen Eisens eine mineralische Schlacke entsteht, die unabhängig von ihren Abkühlbedingungen ca. 50–60 Gew.% des wichtigsten Klinkerminerals Alit (C3S) enthält und eine hohe hydraulische Reaktivität aufweist.
Die Stabilität des Alits auch nach langsamer Abkühlung deutet auf eine Stabilisierung des Minerals durch Nebenelemente aus den LD-Schlacken hin. Ein sinkender Anteil an LD-Schlacke durch Zusatz synthetischer Schlackemischung, die sich hinsichtlich ihrer Hauptkomponenten wie eine ausreduzierte LD-Schlacke zusammensetzt, führt zu einem Rückgang des Alitgehaltes und dem Zerfall der Schlacke beim Erstarren.
By the combination of an optimized granulometry, a reduced water cement ratio and the use of superplasticizers ultra-high performance concrete achieves a compressive strength of over 150 N/mm2 and a high resistance regarding acids and water-soluble salts. In different Research projects the effect of an autoclavation on the mechanical strength and the phase composition was analyzed. In systematic studies, the concrete mix and the process parameters were varied.
The results show that autoclavation leads to an improved pozzolanic and hydraulic reaction and significantly improves the mechanical strength compared to a conventional thermal treatment. If a minimum time-span for hydration is ensured, the achievable strength level is not dependent on the prestorage time. However, the duration of the autoclaving is significant. After the Maximum strength is reached there is only a very slight decrease, even if unrealistically long autoclaving times are applied.
In concrete pavements, damages occurred which are related to an Alkali-Silica-Reaction (ASR). Although the background for such an ASR has been studied extensively, special conditions in pavements increase this reaction significantly. These are especially the superposition of microstructural degradation caused by cyclic loading with an external alkali supply. Previous investigations of ASR focused mainly on the material itself (aggregates, cements, assessment of the concrete) while these special circumstances have not been considered. Concrete pavements are subjected to cyclic loadings by traffic and climate changes.
Within cooperative research projects the different interdependent influencing factors for a damaging ASR in concrete pavements are studied by experiments as well as by numeric modelling. On the micro-level the ASR-related processes within the aggregate, such as gel-formation or ion-transport, are investigated. On the meso-level, the project focuses on the characterization of degradation effects in the concrete microstructure due to cyclic loading. Further, special attention is paid to the transport behavior of fluids in such pre-damaged concrete structures with and without the effect of overrunning tires as well as the impact on the ASR itself. Finally, on the macro-level the risk of an ASR-damage is assessed.
The primary aim of this paper is to analyze the impact of mechanical pre-damage and alkali–silica reaction (ASR) on the fracture mechanical properties of pavement concrete. For this purpose, a four point bending test was applied to large format beams to produce a defined level of cyclic pre-damage. The fatigue-induced concrete degradation process was simultaneously recorded using a testing procedure specifically developed for the purpose. In addition, fatigue-induced cracks on extracted drilling cores were spatially visualized and quantified using micro X-ray 3D-computed tomography (3D-CT). The storage of the small-format test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment showed that pre-damage leads to an increase in ASR damage processes. Subsequent structural mechanical investigations on small format specimens with and without pre-damage show that fatigue loading and ASR significantly influence fracture mechanical parameters of the concrete.
Die vorstehend dargestellten Untersuchungen lassen sich wie folgt zusammenfassen:
• Mit dem für die mechanische Vorschädigung entwickelten Versuchsstand und gewählten Prüfregime können die für die ermüdungsinduzierte Schadensevolution typische stabilisierende und stabile Phase in der auf Zug beanspruchten Betonrandzone gut abgebildet werden. So wurde dort zum Beispiel, ausgehend von dem hier gewählten praxisnahen Belastungsregime, mit Ultraschall in der Ruhephase durch das Trockenschwingen ein maximaler Abfall des relativen dynamischen E-Moduls von ca. 8 - 10 % ermittelt.
• Mit aufbauenden kapillaren Aufsaugversuchen wurde gezeigt, dass die erzeugte Betondegradation zu einer moderaten Erhöhung der Aufnahme des Prüfmediums führt.
• Zur Bewertung der Auswirkungen einer alleinigen Vorschädigung (Trockenschwingen) auf die schädigende AKR mittels Performance-Prüfung ist die Klimawechsellagerung aufgrund der einseitigen Tausalzbeaufschlagung am besten geeignet. Die hier ermittelten Dehnungsverläufe lassen auf einen moderaten Einfluss der mechanischen Vorschädigung auf die AKR schließen.
• Die zusätzlich im Kontext der Nasschwingversuche durchgeführten 60°C Betonversuche zeigen, dass die zyklische Beanspruchung vor und nach dem Aufbringen der Tausalzlösung die schädigende AKR gleichfalls moderat erhöht.
In derzeit laufenden ergänzenden Untersuchungen wird der separate Einfluss der ermüdungsinduzierten Rissbildung auf die schädigende AKR an homogen, stärker geschädigten Prüfkörpern mit einem hohen inneren AKR-Schädigungspotenzial im 60°C Betonversuch grundhaft analysiert. Zusätzlich wird gegenwärtig der Einfluss der degradierten Betonrandzone auf die Dehnungsverteilung an großformatigen Prüfkörpern
über die Höhe im 40°C Betonversuch vertiefend für die makroskopische Modellierung untersucht.
UHPC (engl. ultra-high-performance concrete) bietet außergewöhnliche Eigenschaften, die sich durch eine optimierte Wärmebehandlung weiter verbessern lassen. Wie bei normalen Beton beschleunigt eine Wärmebehandlung den Aushärteprozess und reduziert das Schrumpfen. Durch Ausbildung eines dichteren Gefüges wird weiterhin die Druckfestigkeit und die Resistenz gegenüber Umwelteinflüssen erhöht.
Die Art der Wärmebehandlung wird durch die Parameter: Temperatur, Druck, Wasserdampfsättigung und Dauer definiert und hat einen entscheiden Einfluss auf die Phasenentwicklung und damit auf die makro- und mikroskopischen Eigenschaften des UHPCs. Auch die Dauer und Art der Vorlagerung des UHPCs vor der thermischen Behandlung sind von Bedeutung.
Ziel der vorgestellten Untersuchung war der Vergleich und die Optimierung verschiedener Wärmebehandlungsarten mit Blick auf die Druckfestigkeits- und Phasenentwicklung. Dafür wurden UHPC-Zylinder und Prismen hergestellt und ungeschützt bzw. in Folie eingeschweißt bei 90 °C im Ofen, im Heißwasserbad, sowie alternativ bei 185 °C und 1.1 MPa im Autoklaven wärmebehandelt. Zusätzlich wurde die Vorlagerungs- und die Behandlungszeit systematisch variiert.
Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass eine praxisnahe Wärmebehandlung im Ofen (kurze Vorlagerungs- und Behandlungszeit, Verdunstungsschutz durch Einschweißen in Folie) zwar zu einer stark erhöhten Frühfestigkeit führt, aber die Langzeitfestigkeit wird nicht signifikant erhöht. Erst längere Behandlungszeiten verbunden mit intensiviertem Schutz gegen das Austrocknen führen darüber hinaus zu deutlich erhöhten Langzeitfestigkeiten. Nach der Autoklavierung dagegen wurden Festigkeitszuwächse von bis zu 30 % gemessen.
Die röntgenographisch nachgewiesene Phasenentwicklung wird in beiden Behandlungsarten durch die Limitierung des zur Verfügung stehenden Wassers bestimmt. Bei der Wärmebehandlung im Ofen wird das durch den Ettringitzerfall freigesetzte Wasser für die puzzolanische Reaktion der Mikrosilika verbraucht, reicht aber für eine weitere Reaktion der Klinkerphasen nicht aus. Bei der hydrothermalen Behandlung dagegen zeigen die Veränderungen im Phasenbestand sowohl eine Intensivierung der puzzolanischen als auch der hydraulischen Reaktion. Der für autoklavierte Baustoffe charakteristische Tobermorit konnte jedoch nicht im Probeninneren, sondern nur als Belag auf der Probenoberfläche nachgewiesen werden. Ursächlich hierfür ist vermutlich wiederum das zu geringe Wasserangebot im Gefüge des UHPC.
Fatigue induced degradation in pavement concrete and its effect on the alkali-silica reaction
(2018)
In recent years the German motorway network has seen an increase in the occurrence of damage to concrete road surfaces that can be attributed to the alkali-silica reaction (ASR). In view of the often drastically reduced service life of road surfaces due to ASR, research activity in this field has notably increased. Alongside preventative measures in concrete technology i.e. the usage of low-alkali cements, the main research focus up to now has been on the development of performance-oriented testing procedures for ASR prevention. The effects of mechanicallyinduced damage resulting from cyclic traffic and climatic loading have previously not been taken into consideration.
The assessment of the myriad degradation and transport processes necessary for an understanding of these effects requires close interaction between experiments and corresponding multi-scale models. This contribution is focused on the experiments utilizing innovative testing techniques. The research is founded on a series of fatigue tests performed on large-scale beams with simultaneous tracking of the degradation process using non-destructive evaluation methods. Subsequently, smaller test specimens were extracted from the predamaged beams for further experiments. These experiments included investigation of the influence of fatigue-induced cracks on moisture and alkali transport. Subsequent storage of the small-scale test specimens, with and without cyclic pre-damage, in an ASR-conducive environment then provided initial findings on the influence of fatigue-induced degradation on the ASR.
The results show that the degradation process can be well observed with the test Setup developed for the fatigue experiments. Further, a small but noticeable increase of mass Transport due to fatigue-induced degradation was measured, which correspondingly indicated an increased ASR damage potential.
The aim of this study was to develop a lightweight composite facade element for new buildings and for the refurbishment of existing facades. These composite elements have been developed combining an insulation layer of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) with an external ultrahighperformance concrete (UHPC) supporting layer. This solution allows avoiding the use of connectors and facilitates the production procedure. The structural behavior of the facade elements is mainly influenced by the presence of the upturning edges that are able to increase the stiffness of the element and reduce the thickness of the external layer. The insulation material has no influence on the structural behavior of the UHPC boxes. Flexural tests were carried out to investigate a potential detachment of the external layer from the upturning edge. The photogrammetric Analysis used during the flexural tests essentially confirmed that the bond between the two UHPC layers cast in two steps is reliable. The quality of the bond between the external layer and the upturning edge is a key parameter to define the bearing capacity of the element.
Materials that support natural biodiversity on their surfaces can compensate for human activities that have a negative impact on nature and thus contribute to a carbon-neutral and nature-positive world. Specifically designing bioreceptive materials which favor the growth of biofilms on their surface is an approach complementing conventional, macroscopic green façades. But what exactly characterizes a bioreceptive substrate and how do biofilm and substrate interact? How and why does a spontaneous colonization and the formation of biofilms take place? What are biofilms and how can they be established in a laboratory setting? How can this existing knowledge be transferred to the artificial stone concrete so that this material can be tuned to increase (or decrease) its bioreceptivity?
This review paper aims at summarizing the existing state of knowledge on bioreceptive concrete and pointing out inconsistencies and contradictions which can only be removed by more interdisciplinary research in the field.
Beton ist weltweit einer der wichtigsten Konstruktionswerkstoffe und zeichnet sich durch eine enorme Anpassungsfähigkeit an sich verändernde Anforderungen aus. Damit verbunden ist eine hohe und kontinuierlich zunehmende Komplexität hinsichtlich der Ausgangsstoffe, Rezepturen und des Herstellungsprozesses. Folglich setzt eine Ausschöpfung des technischen und umweltbezogenen Potenzials der Betonbauweise höchste Expertise bei den Einzelakteuren der Bauindustrie voraus.
Die sprunghaft zunehmende Wichtigkeit von FAIR- und Open-Data für die Qualitätssicherung, aber auch für die Nachnutzbarkeit von Daten und den Erkenntnisfortschritt führt zu enormem Flandlungsbedarf in Forschung und Entwicklung. Damit verbunden laufen derzeit vielfältige, ambitionierte Aktionen, z. B. bezüglich der Erstellung von Ontologien und Wissensgraphen. Das Knowhow entwickelt sich rasant, die Ansätze zur Implementation entstehen in verschiedenen Fachwelten bzw. mit
unterschiedlichen Zielsetzungen parallel, so dass recht heterogene Herangehensweisen resultieren.
Diese Veröffentlichung fokussiert auf Arbeiten, die derzeit als möglichst ganzheitlicher Ansatz für Materialdaten im Rahmen der Digitalisierungsinitiative „Plattform MaterialDigital" vorangetrieben werden. Die Autoren bearbeiten baustoffbezogene Aspekte im Verbundprojekt „LeBeDigital - Lebenszyklus von Beton". Zielsetzung ist die digitale Beschreibung des Materialverhaltens von Beton über den kompletten Herstellungsprozess eines Fertigteils mit einer Integration von Daten und Modellen innerhalb eines Workflows zur probabilistischen Material- und Prozessoptimierung.
Es wird über die Vorgehensweise und die dabei gewonnenen Erfahrungen berichtet, nicht ohne den Blick auf die oft unterschätzte Komplexität der Thematik zu lenken.
The adaption of the set-up for gas permeability measurements for ultra-high performance concrete
(2022)
In the framework of this project, a steam pressure vessel was to be developed from ultra-high perfor-mance concrete (UHPC) to withstand process temperatures of 200 °C and the respective steam pressure of 15,5 bar. To guarantee the long-term water vapour tightness of the system, the permeability of two UHPC mixtures were tested after long-term cyclic autoclaving. As UPHC shows a high density and therefore low permeability, measurements after the RILEM-Recommendation (TC 116-PCD) reached their detection limit. Therefore, the measurement set-up was adapted to measure the permeability of highly dense UHPC more reliably and quickly. This adaption includes measurements in a higher pres-sure range, the change of sample size thickness and the usage of Ar as a medium compared with the RILEM Recommendation. Additionally, the system was equipped with two pressure sensors and Ar-flowmeters to guarantee a continuous record of the experimental parameters. The new system was tested and evaluated by comparing measurements with the RILEM recommended system. Preliminary results show that the adapted system is capable to provide efficient and reliable results of concrete with low permeability.
Even after autoclaving for 2 weeks in the temperature range of 120 to 200 °C, CEM I paste with a water-to-cement ratio of 0.5 still contains some low-crystalline C-S-H. The conversion of low-crystalline C-S-H to crystalline is faster with increasing temperature. The observed low-crystalline and crystalline C-S-H phases (reinhardbraunsite, jaffeite) indicate that the sampleshave not reached equilibrium yet under these experimental conditions. However, there is a good agreement between experiment and thermodynamic modelling for the other solids indicating that the used datasets are suitable for this application.
Fused cement clinker can be produced from molten basic oxygen furnace slag (BOFS) by way of a reductive thermochemical treatment. During the thermochemical treatment, oxidic iron is reduced to metallic iron and separated. The resulting low-iron slag has a chemical and mineralogical composition similar to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) clinker. In this study, the hydraulic reactivity of the fused clinker from BOFS with and without gypsum was investigated using isothermal calorimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, in situ X-ray diffraction and powder X-ray diffraction. Furthermore, a synthetic fused clinker without foreign ions and fused clinker produced by a mixture of both materials was studied. The hydraulic reaction of the fused clinker from BOFS was considerably slower than that of OPC. However, the reaction can be accelerated by adding gypsum as a sulfate carrier. Furthermore, the results showed an increased reaction rate with decreasing content of foreign ions such as Fe, P or Mn.
Die Nutzung und Weiterverarbeitung von Sekundärstoffen kann in der Baustoffherstellung einen Beitrag zum nachhaltigen Bauen leisten. Im Rahmen des Teilprojekts B wurde die Bewertung dieser Potenziale anhand von Beispielen ausgebaut und verifiziert. Die Basis dieser Bewertungsgrundlage ist die Erfüllung der grundlegenden technischen Anforderungen (ökobilanzielle Indikatoren, vergleichende ökobilanzielle Betrachtung). Im Teilprojekt E geht es um die Freisetzung umweltrelevanter Stoffe aus zementgebundenen Baustoffen. Überprüft werden sollte die Übereinstimmung zwischen Laborergebnissen, Modellierungen und realen Grundwasserkonzentrationen. Es wurden Schlitzwände errichtet, die in den Grundwasserleiter einbinden und umweltrelevante Parameter bestimmt. Grundsätzlich hat sich selbst bei Großbaustellen nur eine geringe Beeinflussung der Grundwasserqualität durch Beton ergeben.
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.
Self-compacting concrete (SCC) differs substantially from normal concrete as regards the quantity of superplasticiser dosage. The functionality of superplasticisers, based on the polycarboxylate ether (PCE) superplasticiser customary with SCC, is nowadays very well understood at construction material research level. However, knowledge concerning pertinent correlations does not always permeate practice to an equal extent. PCEs are extremely polymorphic as opposed to earlier superplasticiser groups, which still possess a considerable proportion of the superplasticiser market. The geometry of polymers can be adjusted individually to performance characteristics required for certain uses. Yet, in selecting a superplasticiser for its specified rheological properties, a very strong influence can equally be exerted simultaneously on the subsequent hydration process. The charge density of the PCE employed also plays a key role in connection with both rheology and early hydration.
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.
Time-resolved in situ investigation of Portland cement hydration influenced by chemical admixtures
(2016)
Numerous admixtures are used in the building practice to customize the properties of the cement paste during application. The influences of admixtures on the course of cement hydration and formation of hydrate phases have to be considered. Polycarboxylate ether (PCE) based polymeric superplasticizers (SPs) are known to retard the setting of the cement paste. The extent of the retardation differs depending on the molecular structure of the SP. Additionally, the presence of a stabilizing agent (SA) in the cement paste has a retarding side effect on the setting. The initial cement hydration processes and the detailed mechanisms of the retardation influenced by PCEs, as well as their interactions with particular SAs, are insufficiently understood. Up to now, only the results of phenomenological studies were taken into account to describe this retardation process. A detailed structure analysis monitoring the change of the phase composition during the hydration was never applied. Both SP and SA affect the adsorption of the sulphate ions on the clinker particles, causing changes in the formation of ettringite during the initial hydration, and are therefore a crucial part of the setting process itself. Here, the initial hydration of cement influenced by the interaction of SP and SA was monitored in situ by synchrotron X-ray diffraction. The high time resolution of the measurements allowed a continuous detection of the hydrates formed. The hydration was followed from the starting point of water addition and for couple of hours afterwards. The hydration of the levitated cement pellets containing starch as SA was initialized by adding aqueous solutions of different commercial SPs. Changes in the ettringite formation were detected in comparison to the reference hydration of pure cement.
Industrial byproducts and natural pozzolanas are increasingly being used as supplementary cementitious materials. In the group of natural pozzolanas volcanic ashes are the most prominent. Despite the fact that volcanic pozzolanas were used since Roman times, not much is known about their role in influencing the long term durability of concrete. The paper presents results of the volcanic pozzolana ‘Rhenish trass’, which is quarried in western Germany and its role during an alkali silica reaction (ASR). Field data and laboratory experiments indicate that trass releases alkalis into the pore solution but also changes cement paste chemistry and alkali binding behavior. There seems to be a sensitive balance between alkali release and increase of alkali binding capacity, both mechanisms crucial for the course of an ASR in concrete.
Im Rahmen des europäischen Forschungsprojekts Microcon wurden wirtschaftliche und ökologische Ansätze zur Verwendung von Feinstfüllstoffen so genannten Microfillern in Bauprodukten, die auf zementgebundenen Systemen basieren, untersucht. Hauptzielsetzung war die Entwicklung von modifizierten Bindemitteln und Zusätzen für die Transportbeton- und Fertigteilindustrie bis hin zur Marktreife. Eine der Neuentwicklungen war eine leicht handhabbare Werktrockenmischung für selbstverdichtenden Beton (SVB), die alle Schlüsselkomponenten bis auf das Bindemittel und die grobe Gesteinskörnung enthält und eine hohe Robustheit in der Anwendung gewährleistet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.