Title:
Solidification Behavior of BCSA Cement
Author(s):
Abigail Kienzle
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_S22_AbigailKienzle.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
3/28/2022
Abstract:
Belite calcium sulfoaluminate (BCSA) Cement is an emerging form of rapid-set cement. The ability to achieve high early strength and the potential for increased sustainability in comparison to other cements makes it a desirable alternative to traditional portland cement. BCSA cements have traditionally been used for repair applications, but their rapid setting properties are also desirable for accelerating general concrete construction. BCSA cement without admixture sets too rapidly for practical use, but hydration can be retarded using a citric acid admixture. More experimentation is needed to fully understand how citric acid dosage and other mixture parameters affect the early-age solidification behavior of BCSA cement. In this research we use the Vicat penetration test, ultrasonic monitoring, and isothermal calorimetry to quantify the influence of water/cement ratio and citric acid dosage on the hydration and solidification of BCSA cement. This research will produce equations to predict the setting time of BCSA cement, contributing to the ongoing development of mixture proportion rules for BCSA concrete. It will also establish a correlation between Vicat and ultrasonic test results for BCSA cement and contribute a renewed understanding of the hydration kinetics and solidification processes in this emerging alternative cement.