The Influence of Temperature on the Hydration Rate of Cements Based on Calorimetric Measurements

The study presents results of calorimetric tests of three different cements. Two Ordinary Portland cements, CEM I 52.5 R and CEM I 42.5 R, and one Blastfurnace cement, CEM III/A 42.5 N LH/HSR/NA, were analysed. The analysis has shown that the empirical formulas derived based on the results can successfully replace the Arrhenius formula in determination of the hydration rate in relation to curing temperature. It was proven that the hydration rate in relation to the curing temperature changes with the progression of hydration. The study introduces an E(n) coefficient which determines the influence of curing temperature on generation of heat. Results of the study have shown that the value of E(n) is not constant and changes with the progression of hydration process. Proposed method of numerical modelling of the total heat generated and generation rate based on obtained results allows for the calculation of those two parameters for any curing conditions.