The Influence of Limestone Powder on Fluidity, Strength and Hydration of Cement Mortar

Abstract

An experimental program has been conducted to investigate the influence of limestone powder (LP) on fluidity, strength, and hydration of cement mortar. Four laboratory grinds were prepared using a ball mill. The relationship between roundness of the LP and water requirement of paste, fluidity and strength of mortar was studied. The influence of LP on hydration of cement was investigated. Hydration products were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Test results show that the roundness of LP significantly affected the water requirement of paste, fluidity and strength of mortar. In addition, the sites for the nucleation and growth of hydration products, provided by LP, accelerate the hydration of cement at early ages. While the enhancement of cement hydration at later ages mainly due to the formation of calcium aluminate monocarbonate.