Effect of water to cement ratio and degree of hydration on chemical shrinkage of cement pastes

Authors: S. Zhutovsky, K. Kovler
Paper category: conference
Book title: Concrete Durability and Service Life Planning – ConcreteLife’09
Editor(s): K. Kovler
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-074-5
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-085-1
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2009
Pages: 47 – 54
Total Pages: 8
Language: English

Abstract: Chemical shrinkage is important property of low water/cement (w/c) ratio cementitious systems, since it is considered the main cause of autogenous shrinkage. It is commonly assumed that chemical shrinkage is directly proportional to the degree of hydration and is independent of water/cement (w/c) ratio, since it has its origin in the hydration reaction stoichiometry. The chemical shrinkage of cement pastes with w/c ratios of 0.45, 0.33, 0.25 and 0.21 was tested by buoyancy method. The degree of hydration of the pastes was determined by Thermal Gravimetry Analysis (TGA). The effect of water/cement ratio on chemical shrinkage of hydrating cement pastes cured in saturated and sealed conditions was established and compared with the literature data. A new approach to the interpretation of the experimental data on chemical shrinkage of hydrating cement paste is suggested.

Online publication: 2012-05-16
Publication Type: full_text
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