Title:
Effect of Tobermorite on the Mechanical Strength of Autoclaved Portland Cement-Silica Mixtures*
Author(s):
L. Dean Sanders and W. J. Smothers
Publication:
Journal Proceedings
Volume:
54
Issue:
8
Appears on pages(s):
127-139
Keywords:
no keywords
DOI:
10.14359/11435
Date:
8/1/1957
Abstract:
Mechanical strength of steam-cured neat portland cement and cement-silica mixtures was evaluated by utilizing metal test fixtures designed to simulate the ceramic and metal parts of a high-tension porcelain insulator. Five silica materials were tested as additives to cement: two noncrystalline materials, and three samples of crystalline quartz of differing particle sizes. Conditions of steam curing necessary to bring about optimum strength of the cement-silica mixtures were determined. X-ray diffraction analysis was used to identify the crystalline phases present after curing the cement mixtures. Amount of the platy phase of the hydrate tobermorite formed by the steam curing was found to be a definite indication of the mechanical strength of the cement-silica mixtures.