Correlation between Compressive Strength and Heat of Hydration of Cement Mortars with Siliceous Fly Ash

Abstract

This paper presents the results of calorimetric and strength tests of mortars with ordinary Portland cement and two substitution rates (10 and 20%) of cement by siliceous fly ash. The prepared samples were cured under isothermal conditions at four different temperatures: 23, 33, 43 and 53 °C. Heat of hydration was measured using an isothermal calorimeter dedicated to monitor the hydration process of cementitious composites such as paste, mortar and concrete. Thermal data were recorded continuously for 7 days, while compression tests were performed at 6 h and 1, 2, 5, 7 and 14 days of hardening. The studies proved that the amount of heat released correlates with the early-age strength of 50 mm mortar cubes. In the case of samples cured at 23 and 53 °C, a linear relationship between the heat of hydration and compressive strength was observed. The high value of the coefficient of determination (R2) allows one to estimate the mortar compressive strength after 7 and 14 days based on hydration heat tests conducted at standard temperature (23 °C), regardless of the percentage of siliceous fly ash. The increased curing temperatures do not guarantee a high correlation between compressive strength and the amount of heat released.