Title: Understanding Shrinkage in Alternative Binder Systems

Author(s): Lisa E. Burris, Prasanth Alapati, Kimberly E. Kurtis, Amir Hajibabaee, M. Tyler Ley

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 336

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 73-90

Keywords: Alternative cementitious materials; calcium sulfoaluminate cement; calcium aluminate cement; alkali activated binders; shrinkage; durability

DOI: 10.14359/51722457

Date: 12/11/2019

Abstract:
Cement production is one of the largest contributors to CO2 emissions in the U.S. One method of reducing emissions associated with concrete is through usage of alternative cements (ACMs). Some of the more common ACMs include calcium sulfoaluminate cement, calcium aluminate cement, ternary calcium aluminate-calcium sulfate-portland cements, and chemicallyactivated binders, all of which have been shown to have lower carbon footprints than ordinary portland cement (OPC). However, the durability, and more specifically, the shrinkage behavior, of these cements has not been adequately examined, and must be better understood and able to be controlled before ACM concrete can be effectively used in the field. As a first step in increase understanding of shrinkage in ACMs, this paper examines chemical, autogenous, and drying shrinkage in the ACMs listed above. Results show that, despite greater quantities of chemical shrinkage, CSA, CAC, and chemically activated fly ash binder undergo less autogenous and drying shrinkage than OPC.