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Advances in Cement-Based Materials

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Civil Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2025 | Viewed by 21251

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chao-Wei Tang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840, Chengching Rd., Niaosong District, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
2. Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840, Chengching Rd., Niaosong District, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
3. Super Micro Mass Research and Technology Center, Cheng Shiu University, No. 840, Chengching Rd., Niaosong District, Kaohsiung 83347, Taiwan
Interests: concrete materials; lightweight aggregate concrete; neural networks
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cement-based materials refer to materials with new properties obtained by combining the hardened cement paste formed by the hydration and hardening of cement and water as the matrix and other various inorganic, metal, and organic materials. This material has been widely used in civil construction projects and is an indispensable and important element in modern society.

The aim of this Special Issue is to showcase the latest research and advances in the field of cement-based materials. Original research papers, state-of-the-art reviews, and short communications are welcome. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Properties of cement-based materials;
  • Hydration and microstructure formation;
  • Admixtures and additives;
  • Innovative concepts to improve mechanical properties;
  • Fire resistance;
  • Production of durable and high-performance cement-based materials;
  • Material design for enhanced durability;
  • Special purpose concrete (lightweight concrete and polymer cement concrete).

Prof. Dr. Chao-Wei Tang
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • hydration
  • microstructure
  • admixtures
  • fresh properties
  • mechanical properties
  • fire resistance
  • durability

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Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 5883 KiB  
Article
New Outcomes Observed from Replacing Cement with BJPA under Different Curing Temperatures and the True Effects of Each Experimental Factor on Compressive Strength
by Wen-Ten Kuo and Zheng-Yun Zhuang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(20), 9314; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14209314 - 12 Oct 2024
Viewed by 657
Abstract
In the lab experiments, the compressive strength (CS) of cement mortar, three pre-setting water/binder (W/B) ratios, five substitution rates of burned joss paper ash (SR-BJPA), and three curing temperatures (T) were tested for the 45 samples. The results were recorded at 3, 7, [...] Read more.
In the lab experiments, the compressive strength (CS) of cement mortar, three pre-setting water/binder (W/B) ratios, five substitution rates of burned joss paper ash (SR-BJPA), and three curing temperatures (T) were tested for the 45 samples. The results were recorded at 3, 7, 28, 56, 90, and 120 days after curing (#days) for each sample. The correlations between CS and each experimental factor (W/B ratio, SR-BJPA, T, and #days) and the effects of each factor or pair of factors on CS were determined using four univariate and six bivariate regression models. All the models were significant (i.e., the factors and the pairs of factors can be used to predict CS); however, each model had a different ability to fit the data and explain the data variance, making some models not that suitable. The effects on CS of substituting cement with different BJPA proportions and curing the mortar at different temperatures were mainly identified. A knowledge base for predicting the CS was established before any sample is to be made in future practise. Finally, using an SR-BJPA of 5% and raising the curing temperature to 50 °C (or 75 °C, if additional heating energy consumption needs not be considered) while keeping the W/B ratio at 0.4 is recommended to obtain an optimal CS for the full-aged sample (i.e., at #days = 120) in future practise, subject to the aim to consume the BJPA wastes by using it to replace Portland cement, in order to reduce the vast volume of carbon emitted along with the production of the cement material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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9 pages, 1288 KiB  
Article
Cement Clinker Modified by Photocatalyst—Selected Mechanical Properties and Photocatalytic Activity during NO and BTEX Decomposition
by Magdalena Janus, Jarosław Strzałkowski, Kamila Zając and Ewelina Kusiak-Nejman
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(19), 8855; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198855 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 567
Abstract
In this paper, a new way to obtain photoactive cements was presented. In this method amorphous TiO2 is added to a cooler during the cooling of the cement clinker (Górażdże company) during cement production. Amorphous TiO2 was taken from the installation [...] Read more.
In this paper, a new way to obtain photoactive cements was presented. In this method amorphous TiO2 is added to a cooler during the cooling of the cement clinker (Górażdże company) during cement production. Amorphous TiO2 was taken from the installation for obtaining titanium dioxide using the sulphate method. During the study, amorphous TiO2 was added to the clinker at 300, 600, 700, and 800 °C. The properties of the obtained cement were tested during the bending and compressive strength. The initial and the end of setting time was also measured. The adhesion of the obtained materials to concrete block, ceramic brick, and plasterboard were also evaluated. The photocatalytic activity of the obtained materials was studied during NO and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, p-, m-, o-xylenes decomposition) decomposition. Cement with 5 wt% TiO2 added to the clinker at 700 °C had the highest photocatalytic activity and the best mechanical properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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17 pages, 6243 KiB  
Article
Influence of Foam Content and Concentration on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Foam Concrete
by Sukanta Kumer Shill, Estela Oliari Garcez, Safat Al-Deen and Mahbube Subhani
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(18), 8385; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14188385 - 18 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
Foam concrete has been used in various real-life applications for decades. Simple manufacturing methods, lightweight, high flowability, easy transportability, and low cost make it a useful construction material. This study aims to develop foam concrete mixtures for various civil and geotechnical engineering applications, [...] Read more.
Foam concrete has been used in various real-life applications for decades. Simple manufacturing methods, lightweight, high flowability, easy transportability, and low cost make it a useful construction material. This study aims to develop foam concrete mixtures for various civil and geotechnical engineering applications, such as in-fill, wall backfill and soil replacement work. A blended binder mix containing cement, fly ash and silica fume was produced for this study. Its compressive strength performance was compared against conventional general purpose (GP) cement-based foam concrete. Polypropylene (PP) fibre was used for both mixtures and the effect of various percentages of foam content on the compressive strength was thoroughly investigated. Additionally, two types of foaming agents were used to examine their impact on density, strength and setting time. One foaming agent was conventional, whereas the second foaming agent type can be used to manufacture permeable foam concrete. Results indicate that an increase in foam content significantly decreases the strength; however, this reduction is higher in GP mixes than in blended mixes. Nevertheless, the GP mixes attained two times higher compressive strength than the blended mix’s compressive strengths at any foam content. It was also found that the foaming agent associated with creating permeable foam concrete lost its strength (reduced by more than half), even though the density is comparable. The compressive stress–deformation behaviour showed that densification occurs in foam concrete due to its low density, and fibres contributed significantly to crack bridging. These two effects resulted in a long plateau in the compressive stress–strain behaviour of the fibre-reinforced foam concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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18 pages, 10749 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Internal Curing and Shrinkage Cracking Avoidance on the Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete Walls with Superabsorbent Polymers
by José Roberto Tenório Filho, Nele De Belie and Didier Snoeck
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(16), 6901; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14166901 - 7 Aug 2024
Viewed by 745
Abstract
The pursuit of durable and sustainable construction has driven interest in innovative materials, with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) emerging as a promising solution, especially for the concrete industry. SAPs offer significant benefits to the durability of concrete structures, including mitigation of autogenous shrinkage, enhanced [...] Read more.
The pursuit of durable and sustainable construction has driven interest in innovative materials, with superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) emerging as a promising solution, especially for the concrete industry. SAPs offer significant benefits to the durability of concrete structures, including mitigation of autogenous shrinkage, enhanced freeze–thaw resistance, crack sealing, and stimulation of autogenous healing. This study focuses on the impact of internal curing with SAPs on crack formation and corrosion initiation in large-scale reinforced concrete walls (14 m × 2.75 m × 0.8 m). Both commercial SAPs based on acrylic acid chemistry and in-house-developed SAPs based on alginates were evaluated. Key findings reveal that the reference wall exhibited visible cracking just five days after casting, while the SAP-treated wall remained crack-free throughout a 24-month monitoring period. Moreover, the reference wall showed corrosion initiation at two locations near the cracks within six months, whereas the SAP-treated wall exhibited no signs of corrosion potential. Laboratory tests further demonstrated a slight reduction in chloride penetration and carbonation in SAP-treated specimens compared to the reference. These results highlight the efficacy of SAPs in enhancing the durability and longevity of reinforced concrete structures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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15 pages, 3709 KiB  
Article
Impact of Silica Sand on Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Composites and Their Application in CFRP–Concrete Bonding
by Riad Babba, Kamel Hebbache, Abdellah Douadi, Mourad Boutlikht, Redha Hammouche, Saci Dahmani, Giulia Del Serrone and Laura Moretti
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(15), 6599; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14156599 - 28 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 932
Abstract
Premature debonding between carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and concrete is a critical issue in structural reinforcement applications, often leading to a significant reduction in the load-carrying capacity of the system. This failure mode is typically initiated by inadequate adhesion at the interface, compromising [...] Read more.
Premature debonding between carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) and concrete is a critical issue in structural reinforcement applications, often leading to a significant reduction in the load-carrying capacity of the system. This failure mode is typically initiated by inadequate adhesion at the interface, compromising the effectiveness of CFRP in enhancing the structural performance of concrete elements. To address these issues, this study explores the impact of silica sand on the mechanical and adhesion properties of epoxy resin composites. Initially, this paper investigates the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites by varying the ratios of silica sand from 0% to 15% by volume. Subsequently, it examines the effectiveness of these composites as sealing materials to enhance the bond strength between CFRP and concrete. Incorporating a 10% silica content improves the mechanical properties of the epoxy resin, with the tensile strength increasing from 29.47 MPa to 35.52 MPa and an elastic modulus from 4.38 GPa to 5.83 GPa. Furthermore, silica sand enhances the adhesion strength between CFRP and concrete, as confirmed by the increase in the pull-out force from 14.21 kN to 18.79 kN. Silica particles improve surface roughness and interlocking, contributing to a better load distribution and stress transfer at the interface. Therefore, silica-filled epoxy resin is an efficient material for CFRP–concrete bonding applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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17 pages, 8438 KiB  
Article
Effect of Aggregate Type on the Shear Behavior of Reinforced Lightweight Concrete Beams
by Sanghwan Cho and Min Ook Kim
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 5992; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14145992 - 9 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1126
Abstract
Despite extensive research on lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), the precise effects of different coarse aggregate types and their physical properties on the shear capacity of reinforced all lightweight aggregate concrete (ALWAC) beams remain unclear. A comprehensive understanding of how aggregates influence the shear [...] Read more.
Despite extensive research on lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC), the precise effects of different coarse aggregate types and their physical properties on the shear capacity of reinforced all lightweight aggregate concrete (ALWAC) beams remain unclear. A comprehensive understanding of how aggregates influence the shear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) beams is essential for accurately predicting shear strength and effectively designing ALWAC structures. To advance this understanding, experiments were conducted on twelve RC beams: four made of normal-weight concrete (NWC) and eight of ALWAC. ALWAC beams exhibited more extensive and wider flexural cracks compared to NWC beams under the same loading conditions. ALWAC beams demonstrated structural performance similar to NWC beams under identical loading conditions. The cracking loads of ALWAC can be estimated through measured concrete strength, with the post-cracking behavior predominantly influenced by the tensile reinforcement. All considered design codes underestimated the shear capacity of the tested ALWAC beams, and the shear resistance estimated by EC2 corresponded more closely than other existing codes. Lastly, the limitations and future work based on the results of this study were discussed and summarized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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17 pages, 2125 KiB  
Article
A Numerical Hydration Model to Predict the Macro and Micro Properties of Cement–Eggshell Powder Binary Blends
by Li-Na Zhang, Feng Sun, Yao Liu, Sihwan Lee and Xiao-Yong Wang
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(13), 5775; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14135775 - 2 Jul 2024
Viewed by 823
Abstract
This study aims to propose a hydration kinetic model for the cement–eggshell powder binary system and predict the performance development of composite concrete through this model. The specific content and results of the model are as follows. First, based on the cumulative hydration [...] Read more.
This study aims to propose a hydration kinetic model for the cement–eggshell powder binary system and predict the performance development of composite concrete through this model. The specific content and results of the model are as follows. First, based on the cumulative hydration heat of the cement and eggshell powder binary system in the first seven days, the parameters of the cement hydration model and the eggshell powder nucleation parameter are calibrated. These parameters remain constant regardless of the mix ratio. Secondly, the hydration heat of the cement–eggshell powder binary system over 28 days is calculated using the hydration model. The results show that at 28 days, for specimens with 0%, 7.5%, and 15% eggshell powder substitution, the cement hydration degrees are 0.832, 0.882, and 0.923, respectively. The hydration heat per gram of cement is 402.69, 426.88, and 446.73 J/g cement, respectively, while the hydration heat per gram of binder is 402.69, 394.86, and 379.72 J/g binder, respectively. Additionally, the hydration model is used to calculate the chemically bound water and calcium hydroxide content of the cement–eggshell powder binary system. At 28 days, for samples with 0%, 7.5%, and 15% eggshell powder, the chemically bound water content is 0.191, 0.188, and 0.180 g/g binder, respectively, and the calcium hydroxide content is 0.183, 0.179, and 0.173 g/g binder, respectively. Finally, a power function is used to regress the calculated hydration heat with experimentally measured compressive strength and surface electrical resistivity. The correlation coefficients for compressive strength and surface electrical resistivity are 0.8474 and 0.9714, respectively. This is because the strength weak point effect of eggshell powder has minimal impact on hydration heat and surface electrical resistivity experiments but significantly affects the strength experiment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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14 pages, 9162 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Performance of Pervious Concrete Inspired by CO2-Curing Technology
by Murugan Muthu and Łukasz Sadowski
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 4202; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14104202 - 15 May 2024
Viewed by 1228
Abstract
Urban runoff is acidic in nature and mainly consists of heavy metals and sediments. In this study, the pervious concrete samples were cured in a CO2-rich environment and their performance under runoff conditions was evaluated by passing different solutions containing clay [...] Read more.
Urban runoff is acidic in nature and mainly consists of heavy metals and sediments. In this study, the pervious concrete samples were cured in a CO2-rich environment and their performance under runoff conditions was evaluated by passing different solutions containing clay particles, heavy metal ions, and acid species. The compressive strength of these samples was reduced by up to 14% when they were cured in water instead of a CO2 environment. Heavy metal ions, including lead and zinc, in the simulated runoff were adsorbed in these pervious concrete samples by up to 96% and 80% at the end of the experiment, but the acid species in this runoff could leach calcium ions from the cement components during passage. Clay particles in the runoff were trapped in the flow channels of samples, which marginally reduced the percolation rate by up to 14%. Concrete carbonation reduced the release of calcium ions under runoff conditions, and zinc removal was relatively lower because of the nonavailability of hydroxyl sites in the interconnected pore structure. The weight and strength losses in the carbonated concrete samples were relatively lower at the end of the acid storage experiment, suggesting that CO2 curing reduces cement degradation in aggressive chemicals. The SEM and tomography images revealed the degraded microstructure, while the XRD results provided data on the mineralogical changes. CO2 curing improves the strength gain and service life of pervious concrete in runoff environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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20 pages, 11543 KiB  
Article
Innovative Cutting and Valorization of Waste Fishing Trawl and Waste Fishing Rope Fibers in Cementitious Materials
by Ali Hussan, Badreddine El Haddaji, Mohammed Zelloufi and Nassim Sebaibi
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(10), 3985; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14103985 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 975
Abstract
The valorization of waste fishing trawl (WFT) and waste fishing rope (WFR) fibers in cementitious materials (CMs) has gained attention in recent years; however, the lack of information on the cutting and cleaning techniques for these fibers hinders their widespread commercial utilization. Existing [...] Read more.
The valorization of waste fishing trawl (WFT) and waste fishing rope (WFR) fibers in cementitious materials (CMs) has gained attention in recent years; however, the lack of information on the cutting and cleaning techniques for these fibers hinders their widespread commercial utilization. Existing research primarily relies on manual cutting, which proves to be impractical for large-scale production due to its time-consuming nature and lack of industrial feasibility. This research is a component of the VALNET project and introduces an innovative technique that utilizes the cutting mill to convert WFT and WFR into fibers to effectively overcome the constraints of earlier methodologies. By employing a rotor with blades, this apparatus enables efficient and precise cutting of WFT and WFR, eliminating the need for labor-intensive manual cutting. The sustainable cleaning of WFT and WFR was carried out utilizing rain and wind by placing them outside for a certain period of time. The advancements presented in this study provide a pathway for an efficient and scalable valorization of WFT and WFR fibers in CM. The study focused on analyzing the impact of varying fiber sizes and percentages on the mechanical properties of CM. Different sizes obtained from the cutting machine and different fiber percentages were examined to gain a better understanding of their influence. The fibers obtained by the utilization of a 20 mm sieve yield optimal outcomes, while the incorporation of fibers at a volume fraction of 0.5% yields the most favorable results. Furthermore, the study presents evidence of a noticeable rise in porosity resulting from the incorporation of WFT and WFR fibers, regardless of their size and proportion. Porosity slightly increases as the fiber length increases, but the rise in fiber proportion leads to a significantly greater increase in porosity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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15 pages, 3094 KiB  
Article
Properties of Fine-Grained Cement Composites, with a Special Emphasis on Cement Screeds in Floor Constructions
by Rada Radulović, Ljubo Marković, Vladimir Radojičić, Kristina Božić Tomić and Nikola Gvozdović
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(7), 2791; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14072791 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 768
Abstract
Through experimental research and theoretical analysis, this study primarily aimed to compare the behavior of cement screeds made in a traditional manner with those made with the addition of microreinforcement. The study also explored the possibility of using electrofilter ash as a component [...] Read more.
Through experimental research and theoretical analysis, this study primarily aimed to compare the behavior of cement screeds made in a traditional manner with those made with the addition of microreinforcement. The study also explored the possibility of using electrofilter ash as a component of screeds, examining the advantages and disadvantages of partial substitution of cement with fly ash. The contribution of this article is the experimental research on the characteristics of fresh and hardened cement composites, as well as the parameters influencing the structure and behavior of cement screeds during their use. It has been determined that by using electrofilter ash as a partial replacement for cement, satisfactory values of physical–mechanical and deformation characteristics of fine-grained cement composite can be achieved. Through analysis of the obtained results and influential parameters of these composites, the optimal design approach has been explored. This relevant information could potentially provide reliable recommendations to designers and contractors for the production of quality and durable cement screeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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26 pages, 4938 KiB  
Article
Toughness of Natural Hydraulic Lime Fibre-Reinforced Mortars for Masonry Strengthening Overlay Systems
by João A. P. P. Almeida, Joaquim A. O. Barros and Eduardo N. B. Pereira
Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 1947; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14051947 - 27 Feb 2024
Viewed by 920
Abstract
Masonry structures are susceptible to damage and collapse due to seismic actions, a problem in many urban areas. To address this issue, researchers are studying the use of fibre-reinforced mortars as overlay strengthening systems. This study assessed the use of synthetic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) [...] Read more.
Masonry structures are susceptible to damage and collapse due to seismic actions, a problem in many urban areas. To address this issue, researchers are studying the use of fibre-reinforced mortars as overlay strengthening systems. This study assessed the use of synthetic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres as reinforcement of natural hydraulic lime mortar, focusing on their influence on fresh behaviour and mechanical properties. Natural hydraulic lime (NHL) was chosen for its compatibility with typical older ceramic and natural stone structural masonry and contemporary ceramic brick infill masonry substrates, as well as for the sustainability benefits. The study also assessed the contribution of the PAN fibres to toughness enhancement in the developed formulations. The fresh behaviour of fibre-reinforced mortar (FRM) was found to be adequate for applications with fibre volume fractions below 0.50%. The compressive and flexural strengths were affected differently by the increase in fibre volume fraction, with compressive strength decreasing and flexural strength increasing. The maximum compressive strength of 13.3 MPa was obtained for 0.25% of fibres, while for flexural strength a maximum of 6.70 MPa was achieved with 1.00% of fibres. The compressive and flexural toughness, related to the post-cracking responses, increased with the fibre fraction, and even for fractions as low as 0.25%, an important increment of the capacity to dissipate energy was achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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19 pages, 971 KiB  
Article
Influence on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete Using Crushed Hazelnut Shell
by Nicole Gálvez Cartagena, Grissel Muñoz Araya, Sergio J. Yanez, Sandra González Sepúlveda and Juan Carlos Pina
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12159; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212159 - 9 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1251
Abstract
Concrete production requires a significant amount of natural resources, with aggregates comprising between 55% and 80% of the total volume. However, the over-exploitation of natural aggregates has led to the exploration of alternative materials for use in concrete production. In this study, crushed [...] Read more.
Concrete production requires a significant amount of natural resources, with aggregates comprising between 55% and 80% of the total volume. However, the over-exploitation of natural aggregates has led to the exploration of alternative materials for use in concrete production. In this study, crushed hazelnut shells were investigated as a partial replacement for fine aggregate, addressing the problem of natural resource depletion and offering a second use for this important agricultural waste product available in Chile. Hazelnut shells were incorporated in percentages of 2.5%, 5%, and 10% by weight of sand for water/cement ratios of 0.4 and 0.5. The compressive strength at 7 and 28 days and bending strength at 28 days were determined, alongside physical properties such as the workability, temperature, air content, fresh density, and hardened density of the concrete. Our findings showed that replacing 2.5% of the fine aggregate with hazelnut shells led to a higher compressive strength at 28 days, exceeding the strength of the standard specimens by 9.5%, whereas replacing 5% of the fine aggregate led to the highest bending strength, exceeding the strength of the standard specimens by 3.5%. Moreover, the 0.4 w/c ratio consistently led to better results for both compressive and bending strength, with fewer and lower reductions in mechanical strength compared to the standard mixture. Our results suggest that concrete mixes with hazelnut shells as a replacement for fine aggregate at a percentage of up to 2.5% can be used in construction systems with a compression strength lower than 17 MPa, and mixtures with up to 10% hazelnut shell replacement can be used in structures with tensile bending stress requirements lower than 6 MPa. Overall, the use of hazelnut shells as a partial replacement for fine aggregate in concrete production presents an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for the construction industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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12 pages, 3356 KiB  
Article
Influence Mechanism of the Interfacial Water Content on Adhesive Behavior in Calcium Silicate Hydrate−Silicon Dioxide Systems: Molecular Dynamics Simulations
by Bin Ma, Yunfan Chu, Xiaolin Huang and Bai Yang
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(13), 7930; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13137930 - 6 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1486
Abstract
The performance indicators of concrete are mainly determined by the interface characteristics between cement hydration slurry and aggregates. In this study, molecular dynamics technology was used to evaluate the effect of the interfacial water content on the evolution of the interface structure, interaction [...] Read more.
The performance indicators of concrete are mainly determined by the interface characteristics between cement hydration slurry and aggregates. In this study, molecular dynamics technology was used to evaluate the effect of the interfacial water content on the evolution of the interface structure, interaction energy, and mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) systems, and the weakening mechanism of the C-S-H/SiO2 interface in a humid environment was revealed. The results showed that all stress–strain curves of C-S-H/SiO2 were divided into the elastic stage and the failure stage. As the interfacial water layer thickened, the molecular weight of the water invading the C-S-H gradually increased, and the desorption of Ca2+ ions in the surface region became significant, while the amount of Ca2+ ions entering the water-layer region increased. The interaction energy of the C-S-H/SiO2 progressively became larger, and the energy ratio (ER) significantly decreased; the tensile strength σc and residual strength σr of C-S-H/SiO2 both showed a downward trend. In summary, a lower water content had a limited impact on the interfacial bonding strength, while the weakening effect enhanced with an increase in the interfacial water content. This phenomenon was also demonstrated in concrete interfacial bond strength experiments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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20 pages, 9160 KiB  
Article
A Feasibility Study on Textile Sludge as a Raw Material for Sintering Lightweight Aggregates and Its Application in Concrete
by How-Ji Chen, Wen-Tse Chang, Chao-Wei Tang and Ching-Fang Peng
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 6395; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13116395 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1741
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of textile sludge as a raw material for sintering lightweight aggregates (LWAs) and its application in concrete. Three samples of different components were taken from the textile sludge, which came from different textile factories in Taiwan. [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of textile sludge as a raw material for sintering lightweight aggregates (LWAs) and its application in concrete. Three samples of different components were taken from the textile sludge, which came from different textile factories in Taiwan. The analysis of the chemical composition of the sludge shows that the total content of SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3 in the textile sludge was far lower than the recommended value in the literature, and that glassy melt could not be produced and sintered into LWAs alone. Therefore, the water purification sludge obtained from a water purification plant owned by the Taiwan Water Supply Company was used as the main raw material, and the textile sludge was used as the auxiliary raw material in addition amounts of 7.5%, 15.0%, and 22.5%. The test results showed that the LWAs sintered by adding textile sludge to water purification sludge could reach the particle density that is generally required for LWAs (between 0.2 and 1.8 g/cm3). The 14-day compressive strength of the lightweight aggregate concrete made from textile-sludge-based LWAs was between 20 and 25 MPa. This means that textile-sludge-based LWAs can be used in secondary structural concrete. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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13 pages, 2824 KiB  
Article
Study on the Properties of Cement-Based Cementitious Materials Modified by Nano-CaCO3
by Chonggen Pan, Jiawei Zang, Keyu Chen and Jingge Ren
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 2451; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13042451 - 14 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2138
Abstract
The effects of Nano-CaCO3 on the physical, mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials were investigated in this paper. The mechanical property, durability and SEM microscopic tests of test blocks with different Nano-CaCO3 content were carried out. Results showed [...] Read more.
The effects of Nano-CaCO3 on the physical, mechanical properties and durability of cement-based materials were investigated in this paper. The mechanical property, durability and SEM microscopic tests of test blocks with different Nano-CaCO3 content were carried out. Results showed that Nano-CaCO3 could improve the flexural strength, compressive strength and impermeability of cement-based materials. When the content of Nano-CaCO3 is 2.0%, the strengthening effect of Nano-CaCO3 on the cement-based materials was optimized, and the flexural strength of cement-based materials after 3 d, 7 d and 28 d increased by 12.6%, 18% and 32.4%, respectively, compared with the reference group. When the content of Nano-CaCO3 exceeded 2.0%, the flexural strength of cement-based materials begins to decline with the increase of Nano-CaCO3 content. Similarly, when the content of Nano-CaCO3 reached 2.0%, the impermeability of the cement-based materials was also optimized, and the permeability height of the base group could be increases by 41.4%. At the early stage of hydration, the exothermic rate of cement with 2.0% Nano-CaCO3 content was higher than that of other contents. When the content of Nano-CaCO3 increased from 0 to 2.0%, the hydration exothermic rate increased gradually with the increase of Nano-CaCO3 content. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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12 pages, 2515 KiB  
Article
Effect of Ultrafine Calcium Silicate on the Mechanical Properties of Oil Well Cement-Based Composite at Low Temperature
by Jianglin Zhu, Xiangguang Jiang, Mingbiao Xu and Jianjian Song
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(23), 12038; https://doi.org/10.3390/app122312038 - 24 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1625
Abstract
A low-temperature environment will reduce the hydration rate of oil well cement-based composites, resulting in the slow development of mechanical strength, which cannot meet the requirements of cementing operations. In order to improve the early strength of cement paste under low temperature, the [...] Read more.
A low-temperature environment will reduce the hydration rate of oil well cement-based composites, resulting in the slow development of mechanical strength, which cannot meet the requirements of cementing operations. In order to improve the early strength of cement paste under low temperature, the influence of ultrafine calcium silicate powder on the rheological properties, water loss, thickening time and permeability of oil well cement-based composites was evaluated. The compressive strength, flexural strength and impact strength of cement paste with different contents of ultrafine calcium silicate were studied. The hydration process and microstructure of cement paste were analyzed by hydration heat measurement system, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental results show that the ultrafine calcium silicate has a certain impact on the rheology and thickening time of cement slurry, and dispersants and retarders are required to adjust these properties when it is used. The ultrafine calcium silicate can improve the stability of cement slurry and reduce water loss and permeability. In addition, under the condition of curing at 20 °C for 24 h, the compressive strength, flexural strength and impact strength of cement paste with 8% ultrafine calcium silicate content increased by 243.0%, 278.5% and 66.3%, respectively, compared with the pure cement paste. The hydration of cement slurry is accelerated by ultrafine calcium silicate, the hydration temperature is enhanced and the heat release of hydration is increased. The ultrafine calcium silicate improves the formation degree of hydration products and makes the structure of cement paste more compact. The research results help to design a low-temperature and early-strength cement slurry system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Cement-Based Materials)
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