Title: Effect of Curing Conditions on Alkali-Activated Slags

Author(s): Bob Talling

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 114

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1485-1500

Keywords: accelerated curing; activators; alkalies; concretes; curing; low temperature; mortars (material); pastes; slags; Materials Research

DOI: 10.14359/1850

Date: 5/1/1989

Abstract:
The effect of different curing conditions on the performance of alkali-activated slag (AAS) pastes, mortars, and concrete has been investigated. The temperature range is from -15 to 105 C. The storing conditions were underwater and at relative humidities of 100, 70, and 50 percent. After storing under these conditions, the compressive strengths were determined, and some microscopic and x-ray diffraction analyses were made on the tested samples. The AAS mortars and concretes perform very well even after an extremely strong heat treatment followed by storing at a low relative humidity. At normal temperature, the drop from 100 to 70 percent relative humidity does not affect the strength properties of the concrete. The AAS concrete can be heat-treated immediately after casting without any detrimental losses in strength. Storage in a dry climate does not have a strong influence on the strength development because the AAS binders form a very dense matrix with a large part of closed pores. Some results from industrial production of concrete with AAS binders are also presented. The results prove the suitability of AAS for the precast industry.