Quantitative Verification of Concrete Formwork-Striking-Time Reduction by High Blaine Ordinary Portland Cement

Abstract

Type Ⅰ high Blaine ordinary Portland cement (IHB) possesses the same composition as that of type Ⅰ ordinary Portland cement; however, due to its high fineness, IHB exhibits properties that are similar to those of type Ⅲ rapid-hardening Portland cement, which can reduce the formwork striking time. However, to date, no quantitative research results regarding the construction-time-reduction effect of IHB have been reported. Therefore, this study conducted experiments to verify the formwork-striking-time reduction effect of concrete using IHB. Considering seasonal changes, the strength-development characteristics, according to the outside air temperature, were examined by modifying the curing temperature conditions (5, 10, and 20 °C). Furthermore, the achievable reduction in the concrete formwork striking time was quantitatively determined by comparing and analyzing with the linear interpolation and maturity methods for improving the accuracy of the formwork striking time. The experimental results indicated that, compared with ordinary cement, early formwork striking is possible using IHB, due to earlier strength development. Thus, IHB was confirmed to be effective for construction-time reduction through early formwork striking, and it can be used as a sufficient substitute for expensive rapid-hardening cement in sites and weather conditions where rapid hardening is required.