Article
Chemistry, Physical
Servando Chinchon-Paya, Antonio Aguado de Cea, Jose Miguel Saval Perez, Jose Servando Chinchon Yepes
Summary: The study focuses on the expansion phenomenon with thaumasite formation in mortar samples due to sulphate attack. Analysis of composition and microstructure was done using SEM and XRD, showing contamination of aggregates with gypsum.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Naima Rabahi-Touloum, Ahmed Brara
Summary: Research shows that the severe premature deterioration of concrete in new housing projects in northeastern Algeria is mainly attributed to internal and external sulfate attacks, leading to thaumasite sulfate attack. This deterioration is characterized by map cracking, whitish deposits, and concrete expansion.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Edyta Baran, Mariusz Hynowski, Lukasz Kotwica, Jacek Rogowski
Summary: The European Union's climate change legislation and the use of renewable energy sources have led to a reduction in the production of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, the raw material for gypsum mortar plasters. This has prompted mortar producers to explore alternatives, such as gypsum-cement composites. This study investigated the mechanical strength and linear expansion of gypsum-cement mortars with reduced gypsum content, and found that adding 6-12% cement admixture fulfilled the mechanical strength requirements.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ivan Navarrete, Felipe Vargas, Patricia Martinez, Alvaro Paul, Mauricio Lopez
Summary: This study investigated the impact of sulfur oxides on mortar mixtures containing fly ash, with the results indicating that fly ash containing hannebachite can be used as a supplementary cementitious material to increase compressive strength in concrete production.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
I. Galan, F. R. Steindl, C. Grengg, M. Dietzel, F. Mittermayr
Summary: The previously undesired calcium sulfosilicate phase ternesite has gained attention due to its potential to replace ye'elimite in calcium sulfoaluminate clinkers and contribute to their strength development. However, the formation of thaumasite during ternesite hydration, especially in the presence of ettringite, has not been fully explored. In this study, synthesized ternesite was hydrated in the presence of ettringite, carbonated ettringite, portlandite, and calcite. Thaumasite only formed in samples initially containing ettringite. Dissolution and/or carbonation of ettringite, along with its surface template effect, is suggested to initiate thaumasite nucleation via the solid solution route.
CEMENT AND CONCRETE RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhenghong Yang, Weikang Zhang, Huimei Zhu, Yuting Chen, Linglin Xu, Peng Wang, Yong Lai
Summary: This study examines the impact of limestone filler, sulfate concentration, and temperature on the thaumasite sulfate attack (TSA) in a Portland cement (PC)-calcium aluminate cement (CAC)-gypsum ternary system. The study found that the system with limestone filler is prone to TSA, with higher limestone content resulting in higher TSA in systems with less than 5% MgSO4 solution. The concentration of MgSO4 solution has an inverse correlation with corrosion, and the system exposed to low concentration MgSO4 solution of 5% is susceptible to thaumasite formation. The lower the temperature, the more vulnerable the system is to TSA.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Iman A. N. Omrani, Waldemar Maniukiewicz, Marcin Swiatkowski, Marta Choinska Colombel, Dalia Bednarska, Marcin Koniorczyk
Summary: Sample preparation is crucial for microstructural analysis of sulfated cement paste. This research aims to identify the best preparation method that minimizes interference in phase composition and porosity analysis. Various methods were used to prepare sulfated cement pastes, and the effects on micro-analyses results were evaluated. The solvent exchange approach using cold isopropanol was found to be the optimum preparation technique.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Charith Herath, David W. Law, Chamila Gunasekara, Sujeeva Setunge
Summary: This study investigates the resistance of HVFA concrete with different cement replacements to acid and sulphate solutions, and finds that HVFA concrete performs better in both acid and sulphate media compared to Portland cement concrete.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
C. Colman, D. Bulteel, V Thiery, S. Remond, F. Michel, L. Courard
Summary: Research shows that the consequences of sulfate attack are influenced by gypsum content, porosity, temperature, and alkalinity, while the reaction of sulfate attack is affected by the source of sulfates and the type of cement.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agnieszka Sujak, Michal Pyzalski, Karol Durczak, Tomasz Brylewski, Pawel Murzyn, Krzysztof Pilarski
Summary: The study investigated the early stages of biological corrosion of ordinary Portland cements exposed to pig slurry, revealing a decrease in mechanical strength and the presence of thaumasite and other phases. The research also demonstrated the increase in calcium carbonate phase and the disappearance of CSH phase under specific exposure conditions.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Tom Damion, Rolands Cepuritis, Piyush Chaunsali
Summary: This study examines the performance of calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement-based binders in acidic environments and compares them to Portland cement (PC). The results show that CSA-based binders have higher acid resistance in citric acid attack, while PC-dominated binders perform better in sulfuric acid attack.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shriram Marathe, Thushar S. Shetty, B. M. Mithun, A. Ranjith
Summary: The study evaluates the performance of pavement quality concrete mixes using recycled aggregates as a replacement for conventional granite stone aggregates. It found that incorporating recycled aggregates can improve the quality of pavement concrete to a limited extent, but excessive use may decrease durability.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hailong Wang, Zhiwei Chen, Hedong Li, Xiaoyan Sun
Summary: This paper introduces a numerical method based on Fick's law and reaction kinetics for predicting the erosion process of concrete in sodium sulphate solution. The model considers the effects of ITZ, pore-filling, and chemo-mechanical damage on diffusivity, as well as uneven precipitation of gypsum and ettringite in concrete. Simulation results show that the ITZ has a significant impact on diffusion and expansion of concrete specimens.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Vaishnav Kumar Shenbagam, Rolands Cepuritis, Piyush Chaunsali
Summary: The study investigates the influence of externally available calcium sulfate on the expansion characteristics of concrete, finding that the expansion of blended cement is related to the concentration of gypsum in the exposure solution and the dosage of CSAB, with the stiffness of the matrix playing a role in the resultant expansion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Shipeng Zhang, Zaid Ghouleh, Alain Azar, Yixin Shao
Summary: Carbonation curing of concrete can enhance its resistance to low temperature sulfate attack by introducing calcium carbonates, resulting in improved durability against issues such as spalling, expansion, and strength reduction.
MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Diego J. De Souza, Leandro F. M. Sanchez, Juarez Hoppe Filho, Marcelo H. F. Medeiros
Summary: This paper evaluates the physical and chemical properties of mortar mixtures with different binders and exposed to different sulphate solutions. A theoretical approach to describe the susceptibility of cementitious mixtures against sulphate attack is proposed. The results show that the amount of portlandite and the potential of ettringite formation are well correlated with the expansion and damage caused by sulphate attack.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yu Chen, Hossein Rahmani, Erik Schlangen, Og uzhan Copurog
Summary: This study presents a method to accelerate the production of limestone-calcined clay-based cementitious materials using Ca(NO3)2 solution in 3D printing, and investigates the effects of adding Ca(NO3)2 solution on the material's properties. The results show that adding Ca(NO3)2 solution can improve buildability, accelerate initial setting, and increase compressive strength.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jing Xu, Xianzhi Wang, Wu Yao, Qing Chen, Hehua Zhu, Surendra P. Shah
Summary: Concrete cracks in marine engineering are caused by the hostile seawater environment, leading to serious deterioration of infrastructures. Microbial induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is an effective and environmentally friendly approach for self-healing of concrete cracks. However, the formation and structure of MICP products for crack healing in seawater are still unclear, which hinders the application of MICP in marine structures.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhenbo Wang, Peng Sun, Yurun Fan, Yudong Han, Yudong Hu
Summary: This study investigates the potential use of engineered cementitious composites (ECCs) with strain-hardening and self-healing characteristics as a cover material in wet coral sand exposure. The results show that ECCs can effectively close cracks, reduce water permeability, and restore the load-carrying capacity of structures. Additionally, lower strain levels are associated with decreased rebar corrosion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhengxian Yang, Xiaoli Xiong, Kang Li, Bruno Briseghella, Giuseppe Carlo Marano, Shanghong Chen
Summary: This study investigates the long-term volume stability and strength development of engineered cementitious composites (ECC) containing high-volume steel slag (SS). It is found that the strength of ECC with SS starts to decline after 90 days, while the decline is more significant compared to the matrix. The expansion of SS reduces the fracture toughness of the matrix, leading to an increase in toughness and ductility of the ECC. The introduction of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and PVA fibers can reduce the volume expansion and strength loss caused by SS expansion.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bin Xi, Zhewen Huang, Salam Al-Obaidi, Liberato Ferrara
Summary: This study investigates the self-healing capabilities of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) under the combined influence of mechanical and environmental factors. The results reveal that UHPC with narrow cracks exhibits a higher degree of self-healing, especially when exposed to tap water. Furthermore, prolonged exposure mitigates the inhibitory effect of aggressive ions on self-healing.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zhichao Xu, Huayang Sun, Yanlin Huo, Minjie Jia, Zhitao Chen, Yingzi Yang
Summary: In this study, MXene was used to modify the surface of polyethylene fiber, improving the interfacial properties and tensile properties of strain hardening cementitious composites. The MXene-coated fiber showed increased tensile stress and strain, reduced crack width and spacing, and enhanced frictional bond strength between the fiber and matrix.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Bao Lu, Yeqiang Zhou, Lei Jiang, Zhensen Liu, Guihua Hou
Summary: This study investigated the leaching rate of Ca2+ from magnesium slag (MS) and developed a leaching-carbonation method to convert MS into high-purity vaterite and supplementary cementitious materials. The wet carbonation process with glycine as a crystal modifier successfully produced spherical vaterite with high purity and surface area. The leachate solid residue (LSR) obtained from the leaching process of MS showed a smaller size destruction and higher surface area compared to Portland cement, leading to accelerated hydration process and improved compressive strength and pore structure development. This work provides a novel treatment method for MS and enables its high value-added utilization.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Gustavo Henrique Nalon, Jose Carlos Lopes Ribeiro, Leonardo Goncalves Pedroti, Roberto Marcio da Silva, Eduardo Nery Duarte de Araujo, Gustavo Emilio Soares de Lima
Summary: The mechanical behavior of mortar joints is crucial for masonry's structural performance. This study investigated the effects of different lime/cement ratios and carbon black nanoparticles content on the properties of mortars. The results showed that increasing lime content decreased mortar strength but increased self-sensing properties at the end of the percolation zone.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yifei Wang, Lei Lei, Caijun Shi
Summary: The effects of DEIPA and EDIPA at dosages of 0.02% and 0.05% on the hydration and strength development of cement-fly ash-limestone ternary blend were investigated. It was found that both dosages of DEIPA and EDIPA promote the chemical effect of limestone and the hydration of aluminates from cement and fly ash. The hydration of silicates was accelerated by 0.02% of DEIPA or EDIPA but delayed by 0.05% due to excessive aluminates hydration. DEIPA and EDIPA also refine the pore structure and increase compressive strength of the blend mortar.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Du Pan, Ditao Niu, Zongjin Li
Summary: A thick-walled cylinder model was developed in this study to analyze the cracking behavior of seawater sea-sand concrete (SSC) cover. Damage variables were introduced to determine the extent of damage for each cracked ring, and a predictive model for the cracking time of SSC cover was established. The accuracy of the model was verified using the Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiangyu Wu, Hong S. Wong, Hao Zhang, Qian Yin, Hongwen Jing, Dan Ma
Summary: This study explores a method of strengthening cemented rockfill by using well-graded gangue and partially replacing Portland cement with fly ash and a premixed low-alkalinity activator. The research investigated the effects of activator dosage and curing time on the mechanical properties, composition, and microstructure of cemented rockfill. Results show improved performance with low cement content and the use of a low-cost activator. The addition of premixed activator to fly ash enhanced the formation of specific minerals and caused densification of the microstructure. The study reveals an effective and low-cost method for recycling mining wastes and reducing cement.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Juntao Dang, Xiaosong Tang, Jianzhuang Xiao, Aihong Han
Summary: This study proposes a solution to improve the fresh stability and thermal insulation of alkali-activated foamed concrete by adding recycled brick powder. The study investigates the effects of activator modulus and Na2O concentration on the properties of alkali-activated foamed concrete with different bases. The presence of alkaline activator negatively affects the foamability and foam stability, but adjusting the activator concentration can achieve shorter initial setting time and higher fluidity loss. In addition, the increased activator concentration resulted in changes in the pore structure of the foamed concrete.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Jiandong Zuo, Bo Wu, Biqin Dong, Feng Xing, Jun Ma, Guanqi Wei
Summary: Nitrite ion intercalated Ca-Al and Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were successfully synthesized using two modified methods. The Ca-Al LDH synthesized by hydrothermal method (H-C-LDH) exhibited the best properties. The intercalated LDHs improved the mechanical properties, chloride penetration resistance, and permeability resistance of cement mortars without affecting the fluidity. Additionally, the intercalated LDHs provided better corrosion resistance.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Jingbin Yang, Zhenping Sun, Nele De Belie, Didier Snoeck
Summary: This review paper provides an overview of internal curing mechanism, common internal curing agents, and the most promising agent-superabsorbent polymers in alkali-activated materials (AAM) systems. The introduction of voids by internal curing agents typically has a negative impact on mechanical properties, but continuous water release during internal curing counteracts this effect by promoting hydration. While the effect of internal curing in reducing autogenous shrinkage of AAM systems has been well-established, the impact on drying shrinkage varies widely in different studies.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2024)
