Rheology and zeta potential of cement pastes containing calcined silt and ground granulated blast-furnace slag

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse the re-use of dam silt as a supplementary binder for self-compacting concrete (SCC). When burnt, silt becomes more reactive because the kaolin it contains is converted into metakaolin. Portland cement, calcined or burnt silt and ground granulated blast furnace slag were used in this research. Cement pastes were prepared with blends containing two or three of these materials. The replacement ratio for burnt silt in both cases was 10 % and 20 % by cement weight and the ratio for the slag was a constant 30 % by weight of the blend. Rheological and zeta potential tests were conducted to evaluate paste electrokinetics and rheological behaviour. The findings showed that burnt silt is apt for use as an addition to cement for SCC manufacture.

Keywords

• dam silt
• cement paste
• rheological behaviour
• zeta potential
• plastic viscosity
• shear stress