Evaluation of strength and set behavior of mortar containing shotcrete set accelerators

The influence of rapid-set accelerating admixtures on the setting behavior and early-age strength of a cement matrix was investigated to evaluate the appropriateness of the specification and test methods for shotcrete set accelerators. The results verified two different rapid setting behaviors according to the types of accelerator. The aluminate-base and the calcium aluminate cement-base accelerators facilitate hydration by formation of a calcium aluminate solid solution, whereas the alkali-free set accelerating agents present rapid setting time by the formation of ettringite. It was also found that the Vicat test was more desirable than the Gillmore test as the standard for setting time evaluation. Additionally, the cement mortar mixed with the aluminate-base and the calcium aluminate cement-base accelerators exhibited very fast development of early-age compressive strength. However, most of the set accelerators, except for alkali-free accelerators, failed to satisfy the specification because of greater than 40% compressive strength loss at 28 d.