A new approach in mathematical modelling of cement hydration development

This paper describes development of a kinetic cement hydration model, which observes hydration rate relative to time d alpha/dt =f(T,I). The model established makes it possible to observe hydration rate relative to time and not relative to the reaction degree alpha, d alpha/dt = f(T,alpha), which offers a new approach to solving the cement hydration kinetics. The model assumes several simultaneous processes sequentially governing individual hydration segments. The model has been tested by means of experimental alpha-t data obtained from the DSC plots by quantifying the content of Ca(OH)(2) from the cement-water system. The results indicate that the model established is valid and can be applied well. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.