Title:
Assessment of Properties of Low Cement Content Paste Using Interparticle Separation as an Insight on Fresh State
Author(s):
Gonzalo A. Lozano Rengifo, Mayra T. de Grazia, Leandro F. M. Sanchez, and Edward G. Sherwood
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
349
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
161-187
Keywords:
Inter-Particle Separation distance (IPS), limestone fillers, (LF) Particle Packing Models (PPM), setting time, rheology, viscosity
DOI:
10.14359/51732746
Date:
4/22/2021
Abstract:
Reducing Normal Portland Cement (NPC) has been a major concern of concrete industry and research community over the last 2-3 decades. As much as 8% of the global CO2 emissions stem from clinker production. Hence, a wide number of research projects have been focusing on reducing NPC in cementitious materials using numerous strategies such as the use of supplementary cementing materials (SMC’s), limestone fillers (LF) and/or advanced mixproportioning techniques. Yet, the impact of these procedures on the overall behaviour of materials with low NPC content, especially in the fresh state and long-term durability, is still not fully understood. This work aims to understand the influence of the distance between the fine particles, the so-called Inter-Particle Separation (IPS), on the fresh state behaviour of cement-base pastes designed through the use of Particle Packing Models and incorporating LF. Evaluations on the fresh (i.e. rheological behaviour and setting time) and hardened states (compressive strength) were conducted in all mixtures. Results show that IPS directly correlates with the viscosity of cementbase pastes for all shear rates appraised. Moreover, the use of LF increases the hydration rate of NPC pastes. Finally, it is clear that the water-to-cement ratio keeps being the main factor controlling the compressive strength of cement pastes with reduced NPC content and high levels of LF replacement.