EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON SULFOALUMINATE CEMENT-BASED GROUT

Abstract

To explore some solutions for construction or repair problems, it is necessary to determine the performance of a quick-setting grout such as a sulfoaluminate cement-based grout (SACG). In this study, two typical sulfoaluminate cement (SAC) and one ordinary Portland cement (OPC) were prepared, the water/solid (W/S) ratio was selected as 0.6:1-1.2:1. The properties investigated were: the rheological behaviours, i.e., mini-slump, flowability; the fresh-state properties, i.e., effective W/S or stability, flowability losing time and initial/final setting time; the mechanical performance, i.e., flexural strength (FS), unconfined compressive strength (UCS); the mineral characteristics; microstructure and erosion resistance coefficient. The mechanical strength of blended (SAC+OPC) suspension-sodium silicate double slurries (volume ratios of 1:1-5:1) were determined to provide optimisation suggestions for the double slurries. The results showed that the approximate combination of an anti-washout agent and a superplasticiser should be used, the mineral composition and volume ratio were the main influence factors for the flowability losing times. The strength developments of the SACG were relatively low at high W/S. The strengths of the SAC double slurries are low, and a 10%-30% SAC and volume ratio of 3:1 are recommended if the SACG double slurries are applied. The sulfate erosion resistance coefficients of the SACG were much higher than 1.0 and they have obvious advantages for sulfate erosion resistance.

Keywords

• grouts
• sulfoaluminate cement
• fresh-state property
• mechanical performance
• microstructure