Proportioning, Carbonation, Performance Assessment, and Application of Reactive Magnesium Oxide Cement–Based Composites with Superplasticizers
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 35, Issue 2
Abstract
Formulation of highly workable reactive magnesium oxide (MgO) cement (RMC)–based composites is critical to their wider adoption in the construction industry. Yet, the performance of the binder with the presence of chemical admixtures is not well understood. This study assessed the influence of polycarboxylate ether (PCE)–based superplasticizers on the hydration and carbonation kinetics of RMC. Its application was also demonstrated. RMC-based composites were prepared with conventional aggregates, superplasticizers to aid workability, and fibers to control cracking induced by volume changes under both hydration and carbonation. Two carbonation methods were utilized: 20% in a carbonation chamber and in an enclosed plastic bag to emulate a low-technology carbonation process. Highly workable RMC-based mortar mixes were achieved with a superplasticizer content of 2% by weight, despite the presence of 0.2% by volume polyethylene microfibers. The admixtures slowed down the hydration rate and altered the morphology of the hydration product. Compressive strength of 32.7 MPa was attained after 7 days under 20% in a carbonation chamber compared with 15.6 MPa under carbonation inside the plastic bag condition. The crystalline carbonation products within the exterior regions were dominated by nesquehonite. A significantly reduced carbonation level was observed within the interior regions due to the formation of the carbonation products and the resulting pore refinement within the exterior regions. Also, the PE fibers provided a crack control mechanism, and their failure mode was characterized by pullout. The finalized mix was successfully applied for the construction of a large-scale architectural structure.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the NYUAD Center for Interacting Urban Networks (CITIES), funded by Tamkeen under the NYUAD Research Institute Award CG001. We are also thankful to Core Technology Platforms (CTPs) experts, specifically Dr. James Weston and Dr. Liang Li, for their guidance and assistance with some experiments. The work would not be possible without the collaboration and kind support from the National Pavilion UAE 2021 design team, who wholeheartedly trusted us in the design and implementation of the material. We would also thank Mr. Madhu KV of Unibeton, Abu Dhabi, UAE, for providing the aggregate samples.
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Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 35 • Issue 2 • February 2023
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© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
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Received: Feb 16, 2022
Accepted: May 6, 2022
Published online: Nov 22, 2022
Published in print: Feb 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Apr 22, 2023
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