The role of shrinkage reducing admixtures and supplementary cementitious materials in volume stability and strength development

Abstract

Shrinkage is one of the main reasons for mortar and concrete failures like curling, crack formation and de-bonding. It is a complex phenomenon due to many factors involved, such as the type and amount of cement, water to binder ratio, binder to aggregates ratio and the type and granulometry of the aggregates, relative humidity, air temperature and the temperature of concrete. To reduce this phenomenon, Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures (SRAs) have been studied over the last 30 years. On the other hand, investigation in the field of Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCMs) has indicated that their use in concrete may improve its volume stability depending on their percentage and the type of the material. In this paper, the addition of a Shrinkage Reducing Admixture and Supplementary Cementitious Materials like ladle furnace slag, calcareous fly ash and limestone filler, were investigated. Their influence, separately and in combination, in volume stability and strength development of cement mortars was identified. Capillary absorption and open porosity were also determined.