The effects of cement extenders and water to binder ratio on the heat evolution characteristics of concrete

Abstract

The hydration of cement is an exothermic reaction, which begins almost immediately upon contact with water. This produces a large amount heat that subsequently raises the temperature of the concrete mixture, creating a temperature gradient across the member. The temperature rise associated with hydration induces thermo-mechanical stresses. These stresses can cause damage to the structure, affecting the durability and in extreme cases the functionality of the structure. If the maximum rate of heat evolution experienced can be minimised through the selection of the constituents of a concrete mixture, then the thermal stresses that develop in the concrete can be reduced. The main aim of this research is to develop a knowledge of how the heat evolution characteristics of concrete are affected by changing certain concrete mixture parameters and ingredients. The focus is on the addition of three different cement extenders and varying the water/cement ratio. This will be a step towards the development of a model for predicting the thermal properties of concrete. As a part of this investigation, a prediction model for the change in heat rate in concrete was developed. The model is intended to predict the contribution of the individual clinker crystallographic phases in cement and the heat liberated in concrete during hydration.