Study of the hydration process of quaternary blended cements and durability of the produced mortars and concretes

This study aims to clarify the effect that blended cements with four components have on the hydration process and durability of concrete. Therefore, blended cements with two different proportions of high calcium fly ash, natural pozzolan and limestone have been produced and have been compared with CEM I. Compressive strength was measured at different ages and the hydration kinetics was studied by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR-H). Furthermore, the above mentioned cements have been used to produce mortars and concretes and their durability have been determined. The aspects of durability that has been determined are: pore size distribution by means of NMR-H and mercury intrusion porosimetry, penetration of chlorides, carbonation and resistance to sulfates attack. The conclusion of the present study is that quaternary blended cements can perform as well as CEM I cement as far as compressive strength are concerned and they produce durable mortars and concretes. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.