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Residual strength properties of sodium silicate alkali activated slag paste exposed to elevated temperatures

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Abstract

The residual compressive strength behavior of alkali activated slag paste (AASP) after temperature exposures up to 1,200°C was investigated. Strength loss of approximately 60% occurred between 100 and 200°C and a further strength loss in the order of 30% at 800°C. Total loss of strength occurred at 1,200°C. Thermogravimetric studies (TGA/DTG) verified AASP contained no Ca(OH)2 which governs the chemical mechanism of strength loss for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and blended slag cement pastes. However, the TGA results showed that AASP had a higher water loss than the other binders between 100 and 200°C and higher thermal shrinkage as indicated by the dilatometry studies. The high thermal shrinkage led to a differential thermal shrinkage gradient within the AASP and induced micro stresses and cracking which was more prominent for larger samples. Differential thermal shrinkage caused by the higher thermal shrinkage of the AAS material was concluded as the mechanism which gives lower residual strength in AASP compared to OPCP.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation to the laboratory staff in the civil engineering laboratories; especially the late Graeme Rundle, Long Kim Goh, Jeff Doddrell, Kevin Nievaart and Peter Dunbar. Without their assistance, this paper would not be possible. Many thanks also to Kevin Fraser who conducted the TGA/DTG analysis.

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Correspondence to Maurice Guerrieri.

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Guerrieri, M., Sanjayan, J. & Collins, F. Residual strength properties of sodium silicate alkali activated slag paste exposed to elevated temperatures. Mater Struct 43, 765–773 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-009-9546-3

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