Co-precipitation of ettringite of rapid and slow formation. Consequence: Expansive Synergic Effect. Its demonstration by mortars and concretes

• Main Author: R. Talero
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas 2011-09-01
• Series: Materiales de Construccion
• Subjects: gypsum attack; metakaolin; portland cements; “rapid” and “slow” forming ettringites; synergies
• Online Access: http://materconstrucc.revistas.csic.es/index.php/materconstrucc/article/view/643

Several prior papers have shown that enough pozzolans can bring about rapid formation ettringite (from its Al2O3r-). It has likewise been found that the formation rate of this ettringite is higher than the of slower forming ettringite originating from OPC (from its C3A). In this context: What type of effect will they ultimately produce? Addition? Synergism? Antagonism? or perhaps Inversion of final expansive action?. To reply to these questions, 4 PC and 12 blended cements containing 20%, 30% or 40% metakaolin, were tested using the ASTM C 452-68, EN 196-1 and RT-86:ΔL tests and also concrete specimens. The experimental results have shows that the joint precipitation in a common sulfate medium, of ettringite from pozzolan and from OPC, was always more synergic than additive, and the technical consequences of the Expansive Synergic Effect may be classified as beneficial, adverse or indifferent according to its sulfates content in excess is more or less adequate.