Title: Strength and stability of cementless concrete-like materials in air environment

Authors: C. Freidin

Addresses: Department Man In The Desert, J. Blaustein Institute For Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede-Boqer Campus, Beer-Sheba, 84990, Israel

Abstract: The experiments carried out by checking specimen|s long-term strength and examining the composition and microstructure of cured matter in air environment. It was found that strength development of specimens with only HCOSFA took place in two stages: increase during the first month and following continuous drop up to the ending of experiments (60 months). Ettringite – one of curing products played a major role in this process. It was determined that the addition of low calcium coal fly ash (LCCFA) improved strength and stability of the material. The strength curve of specimens with HCOSFA+LCCFA in atmospheric air had three sections. The first section showed evidence of the curing process and development of strength within the first month. The second section (from one to six months) showed an abrupt decrease in strength. In the third section, starting from the sixth month, strength declined at a slower rate and then stabilises from 24 up to 60 months.

Keywords: air environment; cementless concrete-like materials; high calcium oil shale fly ash; stability; strength; microstructure; cured matter; low calcium coal fly ash; building materials.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2007.014721

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2007 Vol.30 No.4, pp.360 - 369

Published online: 29 Jul 2007 *

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