Alkali-activated Portland cement with adjustable proper deformations for anchoring application

Abstract

Abstract The application of alkali-activated Portland cement (hereinafter AAPC) for anchoring grouts was investigated with obtaining of non-shrinking high performance cementing systems. The AAPC system “ordinary Portland cement clinker – sodium metasilicate” was modified by the complexes of mineral and organic compounds to ensure specified properties of anchoring grouts. It was revealed that the most effective multifunctional additives are represented by the system “salt-electrolyte – surfactant”. Alongside with slowing down of AAPC paste setting time, the effect of compensated shrinkage of AAPC mortar, i.e. expansion within 0.062 mm/m and slight shrinkage within 0.017 mm/m, was ensured when Na2SO4 and NaNO3 were used in the mentioned system respectively. The effect of compensated shrinkage is explained by greater crystallization of hydrosilicates and hydroaluminates, additional formation of sulfate-containing sodium-calcium hydroaluminate (for Na2SO4-based system) and crystalline calcium hydronitroaluminate (for NaNO3-based system). The advantages of the modified AAPC for anchoring application are indicated in the paper.