The effect of different portland cements on initial hydration reaction of a self-compacting concrete cement paste

Abstract

The hydration reaction of cement whether in paste, mortar or concrete is complex. Small amplitude oscillatory measurements in a rotational rheometer fitted with parallel plate attachment were used to evaluate the initial hydration kinetics of cement pastes. Four Portland cements of same strength manufactured at different factories and two new generation superplasticisers (SP) were used for the investigation. The effect of cyclone dust filler (Calcium Carbonate) was also evaluated. There was a considerable difference in the rate of hydration for the four cements and the influence of superplasticers and addition of cyclone significantly slowed down the microstructural development of cement.