Influence of hydration on the fluidity of normal Portland cement pastes

The rheological properties of cement paste strongly influence the workability of concrete. It is known that early hydration processes alter phase composition and microstructure of cement pastes. These processes affect fluidity and setting behaviour of cement paste. While many studies tried to measure and model rheological properties of cement pastes, only a few studies assessed the influence of the hydrate morphology on the fluidity of cement pastes. Results of the present study compare the influence of long prismatic hydrates (i.e. syngenite. secondary gypsum) on the fluidity of cement pastes with the effect of other hydrates (AFm). To induce the formation of certain hydration products the cement composition was modified by addition of set regulators and alkali sulphates. Furthermore a combination of various analytical methods such as fluidity (viscometric) testing and microstructural analysis (phase quantification by XRD-Rietveld analysis, investigation by Environmental SEMI, BET analysis etc.) was performed. Results are implemented into a fundamental discussion on the influence of various hydration products on the fluidity of the paste. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.