• Computers and Concrete
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.179-193
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• 2012

The hydration of cement contributes to the performance characteristics of concrete, such as strength and durability. In order to improve the utilization efficiency of cement and its early properties, the particle size distribution (PSD) of cement varies considerably, and the effects of the particle size distribution of cement on the hydration process should be considered. In order to evaluate effects of PSD separately, experiments testing the isothermal heat generated during the hydration of cements with different particle size distributions but the same chemical composition have been carried out. The measurable hydration depth for cement hydration was proposed and deduced based on the experimental results, and a PSD hydration model was developed in this paper for simulating the effects of particle size distribution on the hydration process of cement. First, a reference hydration rate was derived from the isothermal heat generated by the hydration of ordinary Portland cement. Then, the model was extended to take into account the effect of water-to-cement ratio, hereinafter which was referred to as PSD hydration model. Finally, the PSD hydration model was applied to simulate experiments measuring the isothermal heat generated by the hydration of cement with different particle size distributions at different water-to-cement ratios. This showed that the PSD hydration model had simulated the effects of particle size distribution and water-to-cement ratio on the hydration process of cement with satisfactory accuracy.

• Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.321-330
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• 2020

The addition of a limestone filler(LF) to fill into the voids between cement and aggregate particles can reduce the cementitious paste volume. In previous studies, it has been found that the addition of LF to reduce the cementitious paste volume would substantially increase the compressive strength, and reduce the heat generation. This paper aim to evaluate the influence of LF contents on the hydration kinetics and compressive strength. Hydration kinetics were evaluate using heat of hydration, ignition loss and thermal analysis. The heat of hydration was measured using Isothermal Calorimetry. The degree of hydration was measured using ignition loss. Hydration product analysis was carried out by Thermal Gravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis. The results show that the addition of LF reduces not only the initial setting time and heat of hydration peak, also degree of hydration and rate of strength development at early age increase with the addition of LF. It can be concluded the LF fills the pore between cement particles due to formation of carboaluminate, which may accelerate the setting of cement pastes.