Concrete Modification for Hot Weather Using Crushed Dolomite Stone

Abstract

Crushed dolomite stone can be used as a part of concrete for hot weather. Fine dolomite as a filler is not commonly included in Portland cement. In this paper, the properties of a blended binder based on Portland cement and dolomite filler are presented. Dolomite filler was obtained from dust grains by mechanical activation in a laboratory ball mill to increase the specific surface area and its chemical activity. It is shown that the impact of mechanical activation allows to obtain dolomite filler with a median particle size of 1.4 μm and a specific surface area of 639.9 m2/kg. The content of dolomite filler in Portland cement was 10, 30 and 50%. The main properties of blended cements, i.e., the standard consistency, setting time, compressive strength, average density, and drying shrinkage, were determined on pastes. The mineralogical composition of the hydrated pastes was determined by XRD at 28 days. The presence of dolomite filler at levels higher than 10% decreases the compressive strength of blended cements. The dolomite filler decreases the water demand, shortens the setting time, and mitigates the development of drying shrinkage in the blended binder. To prevent concrete cracking, the application of dolomite filler in blended cement is relevant in hot weather due to its reduced drying shrinkage.