Early-Age Properties of Cement-Based Materials. Part 1: Influence of Cement Fineness.
Early-Age Properties of Cement-Based Materials. Part 1:
Influence of Cement Fineness.
(750 K)
Bentz, D. P.; Sant, G.; Weills, J.
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Vol. 20, No.
7, 502-508, July 2008.
Keywords:
cements; material properties; aging (materials);
experiments; mortar; compressive strength; calorimetry;
shrinkage; deformation; emissions
Abstract:
The influence of cement fineness on early-age properties
of cement-based materials is investigated using a
variety of experimental techniques. Properties that are
critical to the early-age performance of these materials
are tested, including heat release, temperature rise,
chemical shrinkage, and autogenous deformation.
Measurements of these properties for two cements of
widely different fineness are supplemented with other
performance measures, specifically acoustic emission
measurements to listen for microcracking occurring in
high performance w/c=0.35 mortars and dual-ring paste
shrinkage measurements conducted under sealed conditions
to assess residual stress development. The measured
properties are observed to be quite different for the
coarse and the fine cement. The current emphasis on high
early-age strength within the construction industry may
result in the specification of cements that are more
prone to early-age cracking.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899