Abstract
Ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) is a popular supplementary cementitious material widely used to improve durability and sustainability of concrete and mortars. However, its filler effect, trigged by GGBS delayed setting, may lead to increased cracking susceptibility. Plastic shrinkage cracking performance is directly related to its excessive drying of exposed surfaces during the first hours of setting. In an attempt to reduce this negative effect, Superabsorbent polymers (SAP) can be used as internal curing agents. This paper aims to analyse the efficiency of SAPs in reducing plastic shrinkage and hence in mitigating cracks formation in PC-GGBS mortars. Three types of SAPs with different water absorption capacity were used. Mortars specimens were subjected to specially designed severe conditions of restraint and moisture loss during the first 24h after mixing. Cracking patterns were analysed by optical microscopy and image processing software. Evaporation rate (by water loss mass) and setting times (by Vicat apparatus) were also tested. The results showed that SAPs addition reduces up to 90% of plastic shrinkage crack widths (for lower GGBS contents). Only above 50% of GGBS substitution, visible cracks can be observed in SAP mortars.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | RILEM Proceedings PRO 125 |
Subtitle of host publication | 4th International Conference on Service Life Design for Infrastructures |
Publisher | RILEM |
Number of pages | 14 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9782351582138 |
Publication status | Published - 29 Aug 2018 |
Event | 4th International Conference on Service Life Design for Infrastructures - Delft, Netherlands Duration: 27 Aug 2018 → 30 Aug 2018 http://www.rilemweek2018.org/ |
Conference
Conference | 4th International Conference on Service Life Design for Infrastructures |
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Abbreviated title | SLD4 |
Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Delft |
Period | 27/08/18 → 30/08/18 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- plastic shrinkage
- cracking
- mortars
- ground granulated blast-furnace slag
- GGBS
- superabsorbent polymers
- SAP