Performance of belite-sulfoaluminate cements

Cements, which contain a high proportion of the mineral belite, often with an additional component such as calcium sulfoalumffiate included to improve early strength development, are currently attracting a great deal of interest worldwide. This interest is largely due to their intrinsically lower energy requirements and CO2 emissions on manufacture than conventional Portland cements (PC). The properties of two commercially produced belite-sulfoaluminate based cements have been studied. Concretes made using these cements show rapid strength development and excellent sulfate resistance. Compressive strength at 20 degreesC is comparable with PC concretes made using similar cement contents and water-to-cement (w/c) ratios. However, carbonation rates under natural and accelerated conditions are high when compared with PC concretes made using similar mix designs. (C) 2001 Building Research Establishment. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.