Physico-chemical study of cementitious materials based on binary and ternary binders

Abstract

This research aims to study the physico-chemical phenomena occurring during hydration process of binary and ternary cementitious matrices, combining Portland cement (PC), blast furnace slag(BFS) and limestone filler (LF). For this purpose, measurements of the reaction rate and mechanical performances were performed on 12 mineral binders prepared with the same water-to-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm = 0.32) and various dosages of PC, BFS and LF. Three parameters are quantified using thermo-gravimetric analysis: the advancement of hydration characterized by the degree of hydration, the evolution of the chemically bound water as well as the quantity of Portlandite produced. Results show clearly that the knowledge of these parameters allows predicting correctly the evolution of compressive strength and young modulus at early age. The synergistic effects of ternary binders, formulated with moderate additions of BFS and LF, manifested in the form of an increased amount of hydration products compared to predictions based on the individual effects of BFS and the LF in the binary systems.