Simultaneous effect of alkali activator and water/slag cement ratios on composites properties by full replacement of Portland cement

Abstract

This paper presents the simultaneous effect of alkali activator and water/slag cement ratios on composites properties by full replacement of Portland cement at different ages under steam curing condition. Twelve mortar composites divided into four different groups were prepared using municipal slag cement and alkali activator of sodium meta-silicate by varying the ratios of alkali activator/slag cement and water/slag cement. The results revealed that the addition of municipal slag cement by full replacement of Portland cement was largely worthwhile for slag mortar composites under steam curing condition. The preparation of the mortars by taking various ratios of alkali activator/slag cement and water/slag cement contributed significantly in improving the compressive strength with an acceptable drying shrinkage to slag composites. Scanning electron microscopic technique was used to analyze the microstructure of slag composites at different ages. The ACI 209 and EC 2 design equations were used to predict the compressive strength.