Combination effect of limestone filler and slag on hydration reactions in ternary cements

An overview of the effect of mineral additives on hydration reactions in ternary cement systems is of high importance for concrete design and durability. In this paper, the combination effect of limestone filler and slag on hydration reactions in ternary cements was investigated. Tests were carried out on cement pastes with various replacement levels of cement by limestone filler and slag (15, 25 and 45%) and two w/b ratios (0.35 and 0.48). The hydration reactions of ternary cement pastes were evaluated by measuring their degree of reaction at 7, 28 and 90 days. The degree of reaction was followed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) method. The results showed that the reaction degree was dependent on the replacement level and w/b ratio. The hydration heat and the compressive strength were further examined to verify the results obtained. Both hydration heat and compressive strength were found to be proportional to the reaction degree.