Research projects

The research activities continued the project “Low alkali cements with fly ash” (IGF 17249N) with two main targets. Firstly the effects of different characteristics of cements with fly ash on the release of aluminium into the pore solution were investigated. Secondly it was looked into how much each of the examined mechanisms (reduction of the alkali ion concentration, reduction of portlandite availability, release of aluminium into the pore solution, change of the cement stone microstructure) contributes to the prevention of a deleterious ASR.

Aim of the project was to improve the early strength performance of blastfurnace cements by a systematic adjustment of the clinker phase composition and/or addition of mineralisers in the clinker production process.

A laboratory method and a method on the internal particle size distribution that can be used on-site in a cement plant were developed in this research project.

It was determined how the rheological properties and the consistency of fresh concrete can be improved by the adjustment of the type and proportion of fly ash or calcined clay in the cement to the clinker as well as the type and dosage of the superplasticizer.

The aim of the project was to investigate the suitability of the Ono method for evaluation of burning conditions even on clinker burnt with alternative fuels. Furthermore the focus of the project was the development of a methodology for correlations between microscopically and mineralogically analysed clinker properties and burning conditions.

The aim of this research project was to determine interactions between superplasticizers and cements in the temperature range of 5 °C (41 °F) to 30 °C (86 °F). The main focus was on superplasticizers based on polycarboxylate ether and cements with several main constituents.

Interactions between different structured or modified methyl hydroxyethyl celluloses and cements blended with limestone, blastfurnace slag or fly ash were determined.

The SVA test method should be modified in a way that it is possible to achieve clear test results for standard cements with known high or low sulfate resistance.