Effect of the cement composition on the temperature and strength rising at early age

Abstract

The exothermy of cement hydration causes a temperature increase and development of temperature gradients in large concrete structures. Those temperature gradients create mechanical stresses which can induce the development of cracks. These cracks facilitate the penetration of corrosive elements from the outside, such as chlorides, sulfates and salts. A temperature higher than 65 °C can also induce the development of Delayed Ettringite formation (DEF). Understanding which parameters in cement influence the most the release of heat is interesting. In this study, screenings of constituents and characteristics of cement are performed so to determine which ones have the most influence on the thermal activity and heat released in massive concrete structures. C3A seems to be the most influential parameters at early age.