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6 pages, 231 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Special Issue: Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete, Part I

by Alessandro P. Fantilli and Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka

Materials 2021, 14(9), 2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092291 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2318

Abstract

The environmental impact of the Portland cement production and the large use of cement-based building materials is a growing problem [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

Research

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13 pages, 3467 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Fine-Ground Glass on the Hydration Process and Properties of Alumina-Cement-Based Composites

by Galyna Kotsay and Irmina Masztakowska

Materials 2021, 14(16), 4633; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14164633 - 17 Aug 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2331

Abstract

This paper discusses studies regarding the impact of fine-ground glass additives on the hydration and properties of alumina cement pastes and mortars. Fine-ground glass was added to pastes and mortars instead of high-alumina cement and calcium aluminate cement in quantities of 5% and [...] Read more.

This paper discusses studies regarding the impact of fine-ground glass additives on the hydration and properties of alumina cement pastes and mortars. Fine-ground glass was added to pastes and mortars instead of high-alumina cement and calcium aluminate cement in quantities of 5% and 10%. The findings are inconclusive as to the impact of glass on the properties of tested alumina cement types. The effect produced via the addition of glass instead of cement depends on the type of alumina cement used. Adding fine-ground glass to high-alumina cement enhances the paste’s density while improving paste and mortar strength. Using the same additive for calcium aluminate cement reduces its density and strength. The addition of glass to high-alumina cement adversely affects its strength at higher temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete - Part II)

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22 pages, 22701 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Mechanical, Thermal and Durability Properties of High-Volume GGBS Blended Concrete Exposed to Cryogenic Conditions

by Giyeol Lee and Okpin Na

Materials 2021, 14(9), 2129; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14092129 - 22 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2576

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to suggest the optimum mix design with a high volume of GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) replacement and the procedure of the cryogenic test to consider mechanical and thermal properties, and durability performance. To decide the optimum [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to suggest the optimum mix design with a high volume of GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) replacement and the procedure of the cryogenic test to consider mechanical and thermal properties, and durability performance. To decide the optimum mix design, four mix designs with high-volume of GGBS replacement were suggested, in terms of the slump and retention time. Based on the test results, with respect to the workability and compressive strength, the mixtures with 65% of GGBS (C40-2 and C40-4) were better than the mixtures with 50% and 60% of GGBS (C40-1 and C40-3). After selecting two mixtures, two types of cryogenic test methods were conducted under one-cycle cryogenic condition (Test A) and 50-cycles cryogenic condition (Test B). As a result, in Test A, the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the C40-2 and C40-4 mixtures tended to be decreased over time, because of the volume expansion of ice crystals contained in the capillary pores. In Test B, the mechanical properties of the C40-4 mixture were better than those of the C40-2 mixture, in terms of the reduction rate of compressive strength and elastic modulus. In the view of the heat of hydration, the semi-adiabatic test was conducted. In the results, the C40-4 mixture was better to control the thermal cracks. Thus, the C40-4 mixture would be more suitable for cryogenic concrete and this procedure could be helpful to decide the mixture of cryogenic concrete. In the future, the long-term performance of cryogenic concrete needs to be investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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19 pages, 143404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reduced Carbonation, Sulfate and Chloride Ingress Due to the Substitution of Cement by 10% Non-Precalcined Bentonite

by Carmen Andrade, Ana Martínez-Serrano, Miguel Ángel Sanjuán and José Antonio Tenorio Ríos

Materials 2021, 14(5), 1300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14051300 - 8 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2865

Abstract

The Portland cement industry is presently deemed to account for around 7.4% of the carbon dioxide emitted annually worldwide. Clinker production is being reduced worldwide in response to the need to drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions. The trend began in the nineteen seventies [...] Read more.

The Portland cement industry is presently deemed to account for around 7.4% of the carbon dioxide emitted annually worldwide. Clinker production is being reduced worldwide in response to the need to drastically lower greenhouse gas emissions. The trend began in the nineteen seventies with the advent of mineral additions to replace clinker. Blast furnace slag and fly ash, industrial by-products that were being stockpiled in waste heaps at the time, have not commonly been included in cements. Supply of these additions is no longer guaranteed, however, due to restrained activity in the source industries for the same reasons as in clinker production. The search is consequently on for other additions that may lower pollutant gas emissions without altering cement performance. In this study, bentonite, a very common clay, was used as such an addition directly, with no need for precalcination, a still novel approach that has been scantly explored to date for reinforced structural concrete with structural applications. The results of the mechanical strength and chemical resistance (to sulfates, carbonation and chlorides) tests conducted are promising. The carbonation findings proved to be of particular interest, for that is the area where cement with mineral additions tends to be least effective. In the bentonite-bearing material analysed here, however, carbonation resistance was found to be as low as or lower than that observed in plain Portland cement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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21 pages, 4600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of High Performance Self-Consolidating Concrete through an Experimental and Analytical Multi-Parameter Approach

by Ghafur H. Ahmed, Hawreen Ahmed, Babar Ali and Rayed Alyousef

Materials 2021, 14(4), 985; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14040985 - 19 Feb 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3105

Abstract

High-performance self-consolidating concrete is one of the most promising developments in the construction industry. Nowadays, concrete designers and ready-mix companies are seeking optimum concrete in terms of environmental impact, cost, mechanical performance, as well as fresh-state properties. This can be achieved by considering [...] Read more.

High-performance self-consolidating concrete is one of the most promising developments in the construction industry. Nowadays, concrete designers and ready-mix companies are seeking optimum concrete in terms of environmental impact, cost, mechanical performance, as well as fresh-state properties. This can be achieved by considering the mentioned parameters simultaneously; typically, by integrating conventional concrete systems with different types of high-performance waste mineral admixtures (i.e., micro-silica and fly ash) and ultra-high range plasticizers. In this study, fresh-state properties (slump, flow, restricted flow), hardened-state properties (density, water absorption by immersion, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, stress-strain relationship, modulus of elasticity, oven heating test, fire-resistance, and freeze-thaw cycles), and cost of high-performance self-consolidating concrete (HPSCC) prepared with waste mineral admixtures, were examined and compared with three different reference mixes, including normal strength-vibrated concrete (NSVC), high-strength self-compacted concrete (HSSCC), and high-performance highly-viscous concrete (HPVC). Then, a multi parameter analytical approach was considered to identify the optimum concrete mix in terms of cost, workability, strength, and durability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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17 pages, 7094 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Varying Steel Fiber Content on Strength and Permeability Characteristics of High Strength Concrete with Micro Silica

by Babar Ali, Rawaz Kurda, Bengin Herki, Rayed Alyousef, Rasheed Mustafa, Ahmed Mohammed, Ali Raza, Hawreen Ahmed and Muhammad Fayyaz Ul-Haq

Materials 2020, 13(24), 5739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13245739 - 16 Dec 2020

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 3671

Abstract

For the efficient and durable design of concrete, the role of fiber-reinforcements with mineral admixtures needs to be properly investigated considering various factors such as contents of fibers and potential supplementary cementitious material. Interactive effects of fibers and mineral admixtures are also needed [...] Read more.

For the efficient and durable design of concrete, the role of fiber-reinforcements with mineral admixtures needs to be properly investigated considering various factors such as contents of fibers and potential supplementary cementitious material. Interactive effects of fibers and mineral admixtures are also needed to be appropriately studied. In this paper, properties of concrete were investigated with individual and combined incorporation of steel fiber (SF) and micro-silica (MS). SF was used at six different levels i.e., low fiber volume (0.05% and 0.1%), medium fiber volume (0.25% and 0.5%) and high fiber volume (1% and 2%). Each volume fraction of SF was investigated with 0%, 5% and 10% MS as by volume of binder. All concrete mixtures were assessed based on the results of important mechanical and permeability tests. The results revealed that varying fiber dosage showed mixed effects on the compressive (compressive strength and elastic modulus) and permeability (water absorption and chloride ion penetration) properties of concrete. Generally, low to medium volume fractions of fibers were useful in advancing the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete, whereas high fiber fractions showed detrimental effects on compressive strength and permeability resistance. The addition of MS with SF is not only beneficial to boost the strength properties, but it also improves the interaction between fibers and binder matrix. MS minimizes the negative effects of high fiber doses on the properties of concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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13 pages, 3254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Steatite Powder Additives in Wood-Cement Drywall Particleboards

by Viet-Anh Vu, Alain Cloutier, Benoît Bissonnette, Pierre Blanchet and Christian Dagenais

Materials 2020, 13(21), 4813; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13214813 - 29 Oct 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2408

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop a new drywall wood-based particleboard as an alternative to gypsum board. Various development iterations have led to the use of wood particles, steatite powder and Portland cement. The resulting outcome shows that screw withdrawal resistance [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to develop a new drywall wood-based particleboard as an alternative to gypsum board. Various development iterations have led to the use of wood particles, steatite powder and Portland cement. The resulting outcome shows that screw withdrawal resistance was improved by 37% and bending properties by 69% compared to gypsum board of a similar density (0.68–0.70). The raw surface of the boards is of good quality and comparable to the paper-faced surface of gypsum board. Furthermore, the reaction to fire was evaluated through bench-scale test with a cone calorimeter. The investigated particleboard did not reveal visual signs of combustion after 20 min when exposed to a radiant heat of 50 kW/m², while burning of the overlay paper of gypsum board occurred at about 57 s, suggesting that wood-cement-steatite powder particleboard could be classified as a quasi non-combustible material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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17 pages, 14880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of CO₂ and Energy-Saving Concrete with Porous Feldspar

by Jung-Geun Han, Jin-Woo Cho, Sung-Wook Kim, Yun-Suk Park and Jong-Young Lee

Materials 2020, 13(18), 4204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13184204 - 21 Sep 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3310

Abstract

In this study, to reduce the use of cement and sand, porous feldspar with excellent economic efficiency was used as a substitute in the heat storage concrete layer. When porous feldspar and four other silicate minerals were used as substitute materials for sand [...] Read more.

In this study, to reduce the use of cement and sand, porous feldspar with excellent economic efficiency was used as a substitute in the heat storage concrete layer. When porous feldspar and four other silicate minerals were used as substitute materials for sand in cement mortar, the specimen with the porous feldspar exhibited approximately 16–63% higher compressive strength, thereby exhibiting a higher reactivity with cement compared to the other minerals. To compensate for the reduction in strength owing to the decreased cement content, mechanical and chemical activation methods were employed. When the specific surface area of porous feldspar was increased, the unit weight was reduced by approximately 30% and the compressive strength was increased by up to 90%. In addition, the results of the thermal diffusion test confirmed that thermal diffusion increased owing to a reduction in the unit weight; the heat storage characteristics improved owing to the better porosity of feldspar. When chemical activation was performed after reducing the cement content by 5% and replacing the sand with porous feldspar, the compressive strength was found to be approximately twice that of an ordinary cement mortar. In a large-scale model experiment, the heat storage layer containing the porous feldspar exhibited better heat conduction and heat storage characteristics than the heat storage layer composed of ordinary cement mortar. Additionally, energy savings of 57% were observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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14 pages, 2318 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Strength Development in Concrete with Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag Using Apparent Activation Energy

by Hyun-Min Yang, Seung-Jun Kwon, Nosang Vincent Myung, Jitendra Kumar Singh, Han-Seung Lee and Soumen Mandal

Materials 2020, 13(2), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13020442 - 17 Jan 2020

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4123

Abstract

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) conventionally has been incorporated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) owing to reduce the environmental load and enhance the engineering performance. Concrete with GGBFS shows different strength development of normal concrete, but sensitive, to exterior condition. Thus, a [...] Read more.

Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) conventionally has been incorporated with ordinary Portland cement (OPC) owing to reduce the environmental load and enhance the engineering performance. Concrete with GGBFS shows different strength development of normal concrete, but sensitive, to exterior condition. Thus, a precise strength evaluation technique based on a quantitative model like full maturity model is required. Many studies have been performed on strength development of the concrete using equivalent age which is based on the apparent activation energy. In this process, it considers the effect of time and temperature simultaneously. However, the previous models on the apparent activation energy of concrete with mineral admixtures have limitation, and they have not considered the effect of temperature on strength development. In this paper, the apparent activation energy with GGBFS replacement ratio was calculated through several experiments and used to predict the compressive strength of GGBFS concrete. Concrete and mortar specimens with 0.6 water/binder ratio, and 0 to 60% GGBFS replacement were prepared. The apparent activation energy (E_a) was experimentally derived considering three different curing temperatures. Thermodynamic reactivity of GGBFS mixed concrete at different curing temperature was applied to evaluate the compressive strength model, and the experimental results were in good agreement with the model. The results show that when GGBFS replacement ratio was increased, there was a delay in compressive strength. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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19 pages, 7584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Properties of Composites with Recycled Cement Mortar Used as a Supplementary Cementitious Material

by Katarzyna Kalinowska-Wichrowska, Marta Kosior-Kazberuk and Edyta Pawluczuk

Materials 2020, 13(1), 64; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13010064 - 21 Dec 2019

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 4413

Abstract

The process of recycling concrete rubble is accompanied by the formation of a large amount of fine fraction, which cannot be reused as aggregate. The results of research on the possibility of using recycled cement mortar (RCM), obtained during concrete recycling, as a [...] Read more.

The process of recycling concrete rubble is accompanied by the formation of a large amount of fine fraction, which cannot be reused as aggregate. The results of research on the possibility of using recycled cement mortar (RCM), obtained during concrete recycling, as a cementitious supplementary material, are presented. The experimental research was carried out on the basis of two variables determining the recycling process: X₁—temperature (range of variation 288–712 °C) and X₂—time (range of variation 30–90 min) of thermal treatment of concrete rubble. The experiment included 10 series of new composites made with RCMs subjected to different variants of thermal treatment, and two additional control series. The best treatment parameters were determined based on the assessment of selected physical and mechanical properties of the new cement composites, as well as the analysis of characteristics and microstructure of RCM. The test results showed that proper thermal treatment of concrete rubble makes it possible to obtain a high-quality fine fraction, which has the properties of an active addition and can be used as a partial replacement for cement in mortars and concretes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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14 pages, 6356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Strain-Hardening Behaviour of Fibre-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Fly Ash Cement

by Hyuk Lee, Vanissorn Vimonsatit, Priyan Mendis and Ayman Nassif

Materials 2019, 12(23), 4015; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12234015 - 3 Dec 2019

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2774

Abstract

This paper presents a study of parameters affecting the fibre pull out capacity and strain-hardening behaviour of fibre-reinforced alkali-activated cement composite (AAC). Fly ash is a common aluminosilicate source in AAC and was used in this study to create fly ash based AAC. [...] Read more.

This paper presents a study of parameters affecting the fibre pull out capacity and strain-hardening behaviour of fibre-reinforced alkali-activated cement composite (AAC). Fly ash is a common aluminosilicate source in AAC and was used in this study to create fly ash based AAC. Based on a numerical study using Taguchi’s design of experiment (DOE) approach, the effect of parameters on the fibre pull out capacity was identified. The fibre pull out force between the AAC matrix and the fibre depends greatly on the fibre diameter and embedded length. The fibre pull out test was conducted on alkali-activated cement with a capacity in a range of 0.8 to 1.0 MPa. The strain-hardening behaviour of alkali-activated cement was determined based on its compressive and flexural strengths. While achieving the strain-hardening behaviour of the AAC composite, the compressive strength decreases, and fine materials in the composite contribute to decreasing in the flexural strength and strain capacity. The composite critical energy release rate in AAC matrix was determined to be approximately 0.01 kJ/m

^{2}

based on a nanoindentation approach. The results of the flexural performance indicate that the critical energy release rate of alkali-activated cement matrix should be less than 0.01 kJ/m

^{2}

to achieve the strain-hardening behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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12 pages, 3160 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tailoring Confining Jacket for Concrete Column Using Ultra High Performance-Fiber Reinforced Cementitious Composites (UHP-FRCC) with High Volume Fly Ash (HVFA)

by Alessandro P. Fantilli, Lucia Paternesi Meloni, Tomoya Nishiwaki and Go Igarashi

Materials 2019, 12(23), 4010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12234010 - 3 Dec 2019

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2901

Abstract

Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Cementitious Composites (UHP-FRCC) show excellent mechanical performances in terms of strength, ductility, and durability. Therefore, these cementitious materials have been successfully used for repairing, strengthening, and seismic retrofitting of old structures. However, UHP-FRCCs are not always environmental friendly products, especially [...] Read more.

Ultra-High Performance Fibre-Reinforced Cementitious Composites (UHP-FRCC) show excellent mechanical performances in terms of strength, ductility, and durability. Therefore, these cementitious materials have been successfully used for repairing, strengthening, and seismic retrofitting of old structures. However, UHP-FRCCs are not always environmental friendly products, especially in terms of the initial cost, due to the large quantity of cement that is contained in the mixture. Different rates of fly ash substitute herein part of the cement, and the new UHP-FRCCs are used to retrofit concrete columns to overcome this problem. To simulate the mechanical response of these columns, cylindrical specimens, which are made of normal concrete and reinforced with different UHP-FRCC jackets, are tested in uniaxial compression. Relationships between the size of the jacket, the percentage of cement replaced by fly ash, and the strength of the columns are measured and analyzed by means of the eco-mechanical approach. As a result, a replacement of approximately 50% of cement with fly ash, and a suitable thickness of the UHP-FRCC jacket, might ensure the lowest environmental impact without compromising the mechanical performances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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17 pages, 6508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Fly Ash Geopolymer Concrete Incorporating Bamboo Ash at Elevated Temperature

by Shafiq Ishak, Han-Seung Lee, Jitendra Kumar Singh, Mohd Azreen Mohd Ariffin, Nor Hasanah Abdul Shukor Lim and Hyun-Min Yang

Materials 2019, 12(20), 3404; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12203404 - 17 Oct 2019

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4770

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental results on the behavior of fly ash geopolymer concrete incorporating bamboo ash on the desired temperature (200 °C to 800 °C). Different amounts of bamboo ash were investigated and fly ash geopolymer concrete was considered as the control [...] Read more.

This paper presents the experimental results on the behavior of fly ash geopolymer concrete incorporating bamboo ash on the desired temperature (200 °C to 800 °C). Different amounts of bamboo ash were investigated and fly ash geopolymer concrete was considered as the control sample. The geopolymer was synthesized with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solutions. Ultrasonic pulse velocity, weight loss, and residual compressive strength were determined, and all samples were tested with two different cooling approaches i.e., an air-cooling (AC) and water-cooling (WC) regime. Results from these tests show that with the addition of 5% bamboo ash in fly ash, geopolymer exhibited a 5 MPa (53%) and 5.65 MPa (66%) improvement in residual strength, as well as 940 m/s (76%) and 727 m/s (53%) greater ultrasonic pulse velocity in AC and WC, respectively, at 800 °C when compared with control samples. Thus, bamboo ash can be one of the alternatives to geopolymer concrete when it faces exposure to high temperatures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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17 pages, 3630 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Experimental Tests on Fiber-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Concrete Beams Under Flexure: Some Considerations on the Behavior at Ultimate and Serviceability Conditions

by Linda Monfardini, Luca Facconi and Fausto Minelli

Materials 2019, 12(20), 3356; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12203356 - 15 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2336

Abstract

Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) is an alternative concrete typology whose innovative feature, compared to ordinary concrete, is represented by the use of fly ash as a total replacement of Portland cement. Fly ash combined with an alkaline solution and cured at high temperature reacts [...] Read more.

Alkali-activated concrete (AAC) is an alternative concrete typology whose innovative feature, compared to ordinary concrete, is represented by the use of fly ash as a total replacement of Portland cement. Fly ash combined with an alkaline solution and cured at high temperature reacts to form a geopolymeric binder. The growing interest in using AACs for structural applications comes from the need of reducing the global demand of Portland cement, whose production is responsible for about 9% of global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions. Some research studies carried out in the last few years have proved the ability of AAC to replace ordinary Portland cement concrete in different structural applications including the construction of beams and panels. On the contrary, few experimental results concerning the structural effectiveness of fiber-reinforced AAC are currently available. The present paper presents the results of an experimental program carried out to investigate the flexural behavior of full-scale AAC beams reinforced with conventional steel rebars, in combination with fibers uniformly spread within the concrete matrix. The experimental study included two beams containing 25 kg/m³ (0.3% in volume) of high-strength steel fibers and two beams reinforced with 3 kg/m³ (0.3% in volume) of synthetic fibers. A reference beam not containing fibers was also tested. The discussion of the experimental results focuses on some aspects significant for the structural behavior at ultimate limit states (ULS) and serviceability limit states (SLS). The discussion includes considerations on the flexural capacity and ductility of the test specimens. About the behavior at the SLS, the influence of fiber addition on the tension stiffening mechanism is discussed, together with the evolution of post-cracking stiffness and of the mean crack spacing. The latter is compared with the analytical predictions provided by different formulations developed over the past 40 years and adopted by European standards. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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14 pages, 2453 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effect of Cement Type on the Mechanical Behavior and Permeability of Concrete Subjected to High Temperatures

by Izabela Hager, Tomasz Tracz, Marta Choińska and Katarzyna Mróz

Materials 2019, 12(18), 3021; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12183021 - 18 Sep 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3427

Abstract

The paper presents experimental investigations concerning the influence of the cement type (CEMI 42.5 R Portland cement and CEMIII/A 42.5 N slag cement—with 53% granulated blast furnace slag) on the mechanical and transport properties of heated concretes. The evolution of properties due to [...] Read more.

The paper presents experimental investigations concerning the influence of the cement type (CEMI 42.5 R Portland cement and CEMIII/A 42.5 N slag cement—with 53% granulated blast furnace slag) on the mechanical and transport properties of heated concretes. The evolution of properties due to high temperature exposure occurring during a fire was investigated. High temperature exposure produces changes in the transport and mechanical properties of concrete, but the effect of cement type has not been widely studied in the literature. In this paper, concretes were made with two cement types: CEMI and CEMIII, using basalt (B) and riverbed aggregates (RB). The compressive and tensile strength, as well as the static modulus of elasticity and Cembureau permeability, were tested after high temperature exposure to 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 °C. The evaluation of damage to the concrete and crack development due to high temperature effects was performed on the basis of the change in the static modulus of elasticity. The test results clearly demonstrated that permeability increases with damage, and it follows an exponential type formula for both types of cement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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21 pages, 6826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Alternatives to Traditional Materials for Subsoil Stabilization and Embankments

by Mirjana Vukićević, Miloš Marjanović, Veljko Pujević and Sanja Jocković

Materials 2019, 12(18), 3018; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12183018 - 18 Sep 2019

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3505

Abstract

Major infrastructure projects require significant amount of natural materials, often followed by the soft soil stabilization using hydraulic binders. This paper presents the results of a laboratory study of alternative waste materials (fly ash and slag) that can be used for earthworks. Results [...] Read more.

Major infrastructure projects require significant amount of natural materials, often followed by the soft soil stabilization using hydraulic binders. This paper presents the results of a laboratory study of alternative waste materials (fly ash and slag) that can be used for earthworks. Results of high plasticity clay stabilization using fly ash from Serbian power plants are presented in the first part. In the second part of the paper, engineering properties of ash and ash-slag mixtures are discussed with the emphasis on the application in road subgrade and embankment construction. Physical and mechanical properties were determined via following laboratory tests: Specific gravity, grain size distribution, the moisture–density relationship (Proctor compaction test), unconfined compressive strength (UCS), oedometer and swell tests, direct shear and the California bearing ratio (CBR). The results indicate the positive effects of the clay stabilization using fly ash, in terms of increasing strength and stiffness and reducing expansivity. Fly ashes and ash-slag mixtures have also comparable mechanical properties with sands, which in combination with multiple other benefits (lower energy consumption and CO₂ emission, saving of natural materials and smaller waste landfill areas), make them suitable fill materials for embankments, especially considering the necessity for sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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14 pages, 8348 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Fluidized Bed Combustion Fly Ash on the Phase Composition and Microstructure of Cement Paste

by Michał A. Glinicki, Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka and Mariusz Dąbrowski

Materials 2019, 12(17), 2838; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12172838 - 3 Sep 2019

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3379

Abstract

Fly ashes from coal combustion in circulating fluidized bed boilers in three power plants were tested as a potential additive to cement binder in concrete. The phase composition and microstructure of cement pastes containing fluidized bed fly ash was studied. The fractions of [...] Read more.

Fly ashes from coal combustion in circulating fluidized bed boilers in three power plants were tested as a potential additive to cement binder in concrete. The phase composition and microstructure of cement pastes containing fluidized bed fly ash was studied. The fractions of cement substitution with fluidized bed fly ash were 20% and 30% by weight. X-ray diffraction (XRD) tests and thermal analyses (derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and thermogravimetry (TG)) were performed on ash specimens and on hardened cement paste specimens matured in water for up to 400 days. Quantitative evaluation of the phase composition as a function of fluidized bed fly ash content revealed significant changes in portlandite content and only moderate changes in the content of ettringite. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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11 pages, 4065 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Wood Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement Material for Making Wood-Cement Panels

by Viet-Anh Vu, Alain Cloutier, Benoit Bissonnette, Pierre Blanchet and Josée Duchesne

Materials 2019, 12(17), 2766; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12172766 - 28 Aug 2019

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5276

Abstract

The aim of this study was to consider the use of biomass wood ash as a partial replacement for cement material in wood-cement particleboards. Wood-cement-ash particleboards (WCAP) were made with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of wood ash as a partial replacement [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to consider the use of biomass wood ash as a partial replacement for cement material in wood-cement particleboards. Wood-cement-ash particleboards (WCAP) were made with 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% of wood ash as a partial replacement for cement with wood particles and tested for bending strength, stiffness, water absorption, and thermal properties. Test results indicate that water demand increases as the ash content increases, and the mechanical properties decrease slightly with an increase of the ash content until 30% of replacement. On the other hand, the heat capacity increases with the wood ash content. The WCAP can contribute to reducing the heat loss rate of building walls given their relatively low thermal conductivity compared to gypsum boards. The replacement of cement to the extent of approximately 30% by weight was found to give the optimum results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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18 pages, 3950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Carbonation Progress in Concrete Containing Calcareous Fly Ash Co-Binder

by Piotr Woyciechowski, Paweł Woliński and Grzegorz Adamczewski

Materials 2019, 12(17), 2665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12172665 - 21 Aug 2019

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3855

Abstract

According to the European Standards (EN 450-1, EN 206), it is not permissible to use calcareous fly ash as an additive to concrete. However, other standards (for example, the American and Canadian ones) allow the use of high-calcium fly ash (type C) in [...] Read more.

According to the European Standards (EN 450-1, EN 206), it is not permissible to use calcareous fly ash as an additive to concrete. However, other standards (for example, the American and Canadian ones) allow the use of high-calcium fly ash (type C) in concrete. As a result of brown coal combustion, a large amount of this type of fly ash is produced, and considerations on their use in concrete are in progress. Research into the influence of high-calcium fly ash on concrete durability is fundamental for dealing with that issue. The aim of the present research was to develop a new model of carbonation over time, also including calcareous fly ash content in the binder. The self-terminating model of carbonation is new, and not developed by other authors. In the current research, the former simplest model (a function of w/c ratio and time) is expanded with the calcareous fly ash to cement ratio. The basis is a statistically planned experiment with a large scope of two material variables (w/c ratio and fly ash to cement ratio). The main measured property is the carbonation depth after exposure to 4% of CO₂ concentration (according to CEN/TS 12390-12). The model of carbonation obtained from this experiment is an output of the paper. Also, the idea of developing similar models for concrete families as a tool for designing concrete cover thickness for reinforced elements is described in the paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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11 pages, 2306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Designing Reinforced Concrete Beams Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials

by Alessandro P. Fantilli, Francesco Tondolo, Bernardino Chiaia and Guillaume Habert

Materials 2019, 12(8), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12081248 - 16 Apr 2019

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2881

Abstract

If supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are used as binders, the environmental impact produced by cement-based composites can be reduced. Following the substitution strategy to increase sustainability, several studies have been carried out with the aim of measuring the mechanical properties of different concrete [...] Read more.

If supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are used as binders, the environmental impact produced by cement-based composites can be reduced. Following the substitution strategy to increase sustainability, several studies have been carried out with the aim of measuring the mechanical properties of different concrete systems, in which a portion of Portland cement was substituted with SCMs, such as fly ashes. On the other hand, studies on the structural behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) elements made with SCMs are very scarce. For this reason, in this paper, a new procedure is introduced with the aim of fulfil a new limit state of sustainability, in accordance with the serviceability and ultimate limit states required by building codes. Although the environmental impact of concrete decreases with the reduction of cement content, the proposed approach shows that the carbon dioxide emission of an RC beam is not a monotonic function of the substitution rate of cement with SCMs. On the contrary, there are favorable values of such substitution rates, which fall within a well-defined range. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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16 pages, 5036 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Crystalline Admixtures on the Short-Term Behaviour of Mortars Exposed to Sulphuric Acid

by Victoria Eugenia García-Vera, Antonio José Tenza-Abril, José Miguel Saval and Marcos Lanzón

Materials 2019, 12(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12010082 - 27 Dec 2018

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 4129

Abstract

Using durable materials is a sustainable solution for extending the lifetime of constructions. The use of crystalline admixtures makes cementitious materials more durable. They plug pores, capillary tracts and microcracks, blocking the entrance of water due to the formation of crystals that prevent [...] Read more.

Using durable materials is a sustainable solution for extending the lifetime of constructions. The use of crystalline admixtures makes cementitious materials more durable. They plug pores, capillary tracts and microcracks, blocking the entrance of water due to the formation of crystals that prevent the penetration of liquids. The literature has covered the performance of these admixtures on concrete, but studies on mortars are still scarce. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of an aggressive environment (sulphuric acid solution—3 wt%) on mortars produced with different percentages of a crystalline admixture (1%, 1.5% and 2% by weight of cement content). Physical and mechanical properties were studied after immersing the mortars in a H₂SO₄ solution for 90 days. It was found that, after a 90-day sulphuric acid exposure, mortars with the crystalline admixture showed greater compressive strength than the control mortar, besides exhibiting lower mass loss. However, the crystalline admixture did not produce any significant effect on the capillary water absorption coefficient. In a nonaggressive environment, and in the short term, the crystalline admixture did not have a significant effect on the compressive strength, the capillary water absorption coefficient or the ultrasonic pulse velocity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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Review

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36 pages, 1720 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Calcined Clay as Supplementary Cementitious Material

by Roman Jaskulski, Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka and Yaroslav Yakymechko

Materials 2020, 13(21), 4734; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13214734 - 23 Oct 2020

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 8810

Abstract

Calcined clays are the only potential materials available in large quantities to meet the requirements of eco-efficient cement-based materials by reducing the clinker content in blended cements or reducing the cement content in concrete. More than 200 recent research papers on the idea [...] Read more.

Calcined clays are the only potential materials available in large quantities to meet the requirements of eco-efficient cement-based materials by reducing the clinker content in blended cements or reducing the cement content in concrete. More than 200 recent research papers on the idea of replacing Portland cement with large amounts of calcined clay are presented and discussed in detail. First, the fundamental information about the properties and structure of clay minerals is described. Then, the process of activation and hydration of clays is discussed, including the methods of pozzolanic activity assessment. Additionally, various testing methods of clays from different worldwide deposits are presented. The application of calcined clay in cement and concrete technology is then introduced. A separate chapter is devoted to lime calcined clay cement. Then an influence of calcined clay on durability of concrete is summarized. Finally, conclusions are formulated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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20 pages, 7093 KiB

Open AccessReview

End-of-Life Materials Used as Supplementary Cementitious Materials in the Concrete Industry

by Adrian Ionut Nicoara, Alexandra Elena Stoica, Mirijam Vrabec, Nastja Šmuc Rogan, Saso Sturm, Cleva Ow-Yang, Mehmet Ali Gulgun, Zeynep Basaran Bundur, Ion Ciuca and Bogdan Stefan Vasile

Materials 2020, 13(8), 1954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13081954 - 22 Apr 2020

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 6793

Abstract

A sustainable solution for the global construction industry can be partial substitution of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) sourced from industrial end-of-life (EOL) products that contain calcareous, siliceous and aluminous materials. Candidate EOL materials include fly ash [...] Read more.

A sustainable solution for the global construction industry can be partial substitution of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) sourced from industrial end-of-life (EOL) products that contain calcareous, siliceous and aluminous materials. Candidate EOL materials include fly ash (FA), silica fume (SF), natural pozzolanic materials like sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA), palm oil fuel ash (POFA), rice husk ash (RHA), mine tailings, marble dust, construction and demolition debris (CDD). Studies have revealed these materials to be cementitious and/or pozzolanic in nature. Their use as SCMs would decrease the amount of cement used in the production of concrete, decreasing carbon emissions associated with cement production. In addition to cement substitution, EOL products as SCMs have also served as coarse and also fine aggregates in the production of eco-friendly concretes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Supplementary Cementitious Materials in Concrete)

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