The early heat of hydration of blended cements incorporating GGBFS and ground basaltic pumice (GBP)

Abstract

In this study, the effect of blended cements containing additives on the heat of hydration and the rate of
heat liberation was investigated. The blended cements were prepared by using clinker, ground
granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) and ground basaltic pumice (GBP). Two groups of specimens
were prepared by the grinding method of intergrinding and separate grinding. For each group of
specimen, two Blaine values of 2800 30 cm
2
/g and 4800 30 cm
2
/g and four different ratios of
additives, which were 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of clinker by weight, were used. The effects of the
grinding method, the fineness and the amount of additives on the heat of hydration were also
investigated. It was found that the heat of hydration was affected by the grinding method. Also,
interground coarser blended cement specimens resulted in extended time to reach the second peak
compare to the separately ground finer ones. A significant reduction in the total heat of hydration was
achieved in the interground coarser specimens with 30% additives. The minimum heat of hydration was
obtained from the interground specimens with 30% additives and Blaine value of 2800 30 cm
2
/g. Due
to lower heat of hydration this cement can be used for mass concrete construction.