Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Alkali-Activated Slag Grouting Materials Exposed to Flowing Solution
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34, Issue 12
Abstract
The durability of alkali-activated slag grouting materials (AASGMs) has attracted significant research attention. This paper investigated the mechanical properties and microstructure of AASGMs mortars and pastes immersed in a flowing 5% solution. Compared with the strengths of AASGMs immersed for 3 days, the flexural and compressive strengths of AASGMS immersed for 56 days increased by 11.1% and 37.8%, respectively. The leaching depth of AASGMS immersed for 56 days was 0.627 mm. The AASGMs had good antiflowing solution deterioration performance. The leaching process of AASGMS in flowing solution was divided into three stages: (1) neutralization of residual alkali in gel pores; (2) decalcification of calcium aluminate silicate hydrate (C-A-S-H) gels in the surface and intermediate layers to form calcium carbonate and silica gels; and (3) leaching of calcium and silicon in surface layers from calcium carbonate and silica gels.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published paper.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51962024 and 51768010), Guangxi Scientific and Technological Development Projects (AC19050011), and Nanning Scientific and Technological Development Projects (20193129).
References
Arribas, I., I. Vegas, V. García, R. Vigil de la Villa, S. Martínez-Ramírez, and M. Frías. 2018. “The deterioration and environmental impact of binary cements containing thermally activated coal mining waste due to calcium leaching.” J. Cleaner Prod. 183 (May): 887–897. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.127.
Cheng, W.-C., Q.-L. Cui, J. S.-L. Shen, A. Arulrajah, and D.-J. Yuan. 2017. “Fractal prediction of grouting volume for treating karst caverns along a shield tunneling alignment.” Appl. Sci. 7 (7): 652–667. https://doi.org/10.3390/app7070652.
Chinese Standard. 1999. Method of testing cements-determination of strength. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
Chinese Standard. 2009. Common portland cement of Chinese Standard. Beijing: Chinese Standard.
Cui, Q.-L., H.-N. Wu, S.-L. Shen, Y.-S. Xu, and G.-L. Ye. 2015. “Chinese karst geology and measures to prevent geohazards during shield tunnelling in karst region with caves.” Nat. Hazard. 77 (1): 129–152. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-014-1585-6.
Cui, W., J. Y. Huang, H. F. Song, and M. Xiao. 2017. “Development of two new anti-washout grouting materials using multiway ANOVA in conjunction with grey relational analysis.” Constr. Build. Mater. 156 (Dec): 184–198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.08.126.
De Weerdt, K. D., G. Plusquellec, A. B. Revert, M. R. Geiker, and B. Lothenbach. 2019. “Effect of carbonation on the pore solution of mortar.” Cem. Concr. Res. 118 (Mar): 38–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.02.004.
Fang, S., E. S. S. Lam, B. Li, and B. Wu. 2020. “Effect of alkali contents, moduli and curing time on engineering properties of alkali activated slag.” Constr. Build. Mater. 249 (Mar): 118799. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118799.
Hay, R., G. Kashwani, and K. Celiek. 2021. “Carbonation, strength development, and characterization of calcined limestone as a potential construction material.” Cem. Concr. Res. 139 (Nov): 106263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2020.106263.
Hay, R., J. Li, and K. Celik. 2022. “Phase evolution, micromechanical properties, and morphology of calcium (alumino)silicate hydrates C-(A-)S-H under carbonation.” Cem. Concr. Res. 152 (Dec): 106683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106683.
Jain, J., and N. Neithalath. 2009. “Analysis of calcium leaching behavior of plain and modified cement pastes in pure water.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 31 (3): 176–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2009.01.003.
Khan, H. A., A. Castel, M. S. H. Khan, and A. H. Mahmood. 2019. “Durability of calcium aluminate and sulphate resistant Portland cement based mortars in aggressive sewer environment and sulphuric acid.” Cem. Concr. Res. 124 (Aug): 105852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.105852.
Khan, M. I., and C. J. Lynsdale. 2002. “Strength, permeability, and carbonation of high-performance concrete.” Cem. Concr. Res. 32 (1): 123–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(01)00641-X.
Li, N., N. Farzadnia, and C. J. Shi. 2017. “Microstructural changes in alkali-activated mortars induced by accelerated carbonation.” Cem. Concr. Res. 100 (Oct): 214–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.07.008.
Li, S. C., J. Zhang, Z. F. Li, Y. F. Gao, Y. H. Qi, H. Y. Li, and Q. S. Zhang. 2019. “Investigation and practical application of a new cementitious anti-washout grouting material.” Constr. Build. Mater. 224 (Nov): 66–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.07.057.
Liu, L. P., M. J. Xie, Y. He, Y. Y. Li, A. H. Wei, X. M. Cui, and C. J. Shi. 2020. “Expansion behavior and microstructure change of alkali-activated slag grouting material in carbonate environment.” Constr. Build. Mater. 262 (Aug): 120593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120593.
Matsushita, F., Y. Aono, and S. Shibata. 2004. “Calcium silicate structure and carbonation shrinkage of a tobermorite-based material.” Cem. Concr. Res. 34 (7): 1251–1257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2003.12.016.
Nedeljković, M., B. Ghiassi, S. van der Laan, Z. Li, and G. Ye. 2019. “Effect of curing conditions on the pore solution and carbonation resistance of alkali-activated fly ash and slag pastes.” Cem. Concr. Res. 116 (Nov): 146–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.11.011.
Pascual-Muñoz, P., I. Indacoechea-Vega, D. Zamora-Barraza, and D. Castro-Fresno. 2018. “Experimental analysis of enhanced cement-sand-based geothermal grouting materials.” Constr. Build. Mater. 185 (Oct): 481–488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.076.
Pavlík, V. 1994. “Corrosion of hardened cement paste by acetic and nitric acids part I: Calculation of deterioration depth.” Cem. Concr. Res. 24 (3): 551–562. https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-8846(94)90144-9.
Phung, Q. T., N. Maes, D. Jacques, J. Perko, G. De Schuttter, and G. Ye. 2016. “Modelling the evolution of microstructure and transport properties of cement pastes under conditions of accelerated leaching.” Constr. Build. Mater. 115 (Jul): 179–192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.049.
Pichler, C., A. Saxer, and R. Lachner. 2012. “Differential-scheme based dissolution/diffusion model for calcium leaching in cement-based materials accounting for mix design and binder composition.” Cem. Concr. Res. 42 (5): 686–699. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2012.02.007.
Pouhet, R., and M. Cyr. 2016. “Carbonation in the pore solution of metakaolin-based geopolymer.” Cem. Concr. Res. 88 (Oct): 227–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2016.05.008.
Ren, D.-J., S.-L. Shen, W.-C. Cheng, N. Zhang, and Z.-F. Wang. 2016. “Geological formation and geo-hazards during subway construction in Guangzhou.” Environ. Earth Sci. 75 (11): 934–948. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-016-5710-6.
Richardson, I. G., A. R. Brough, R. Brydson, G. W. Groves, and C. M. Dobson. 1993. “Location of aluminum in substituted calcium silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) gels as determined by 29Si and 27Al NMR and EELS.” J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 76 (9): 2285–2288. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1151-2916.1993.tb07765.x.
Samouh, H., E. Rozière, V. Wisniewski, and A. Loukili. 2017. “Consequences of longer sealed curing on drying shrinkage, cracking and carbonation of concrete.” Cem. Concr. Res. 95 (May): 117–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.02.019.
Šavija, B., and M. Lukovic. 2016. “Carbonation of cement paste: Understanding, challenges, and opportunities.” Constr. Build. Mater. 117 (Aug): 285–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.138.
Seo, J. H., S. M. Park, and H. K. Lee. 2018. “Evolution of the binder gel in carbonation-cured Portland cement in an acidic medium.” Cem. Concr. Res. 109 (Apr): 81–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.03.014.
Shah, V., K. Scrivener, B. Bhattacharjee, and S. Bishnoi. 2018. “Changes in microstructure characteristics of cement paste on carbonation.” Cem. Concr. Res. 109 (Apr): 184–197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2018.04.016.
Shi, C. J., and J. A. Stegemann. 2000. “Acid deterioration resistance of different cementing materials.” Cem. Concr. Res. 30 (5): 803–808. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(00)00234-9.
Skibsted, J., and M. D. Andersen. 2013. “The effect of alkali ions on the incorporation of aluminum in the calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phase resulting from Portland cement hydration studied by 29Si MAS NMR.” J. Am. Ceram. Soc. 96 (2): 651–656. https://doi.org/10.1111/jace.12024.
Su, Q., Q. Ye, L. Deng, Y. He, and X. Cui. 2020. “Prepared self-growth supported copper catalyst by recovering Cu (II) from wastewater using geopolymer microspheres.” J. Cleaner Prod. 272 (Jul): 122571. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.122571.
Sun, J., Y. Takahashi, W. H. J. Strosnider, T. Kogure, P. Wu, and X. X. Cao. 2019. “Tracing and quantifying contributions of end members to karst water at a coalfield in southwest China.” Chemosphere 234 (Jun): 777–788. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.066.
Taylor, H. F. W. 1997. Cement chemistry. 2nd ed. London: Thomas Telford.
Thiery, M., G. Villain, P. Dangla, and G. Platret. 2007. “Investigation of the carbonation front shape on cementitious materials: Effects of the chemical kinetics.” Cem. Concr. Res. 37 (7): 1047–1058. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.04.002.
Villain, G., M. Thiery, and G. Platret. 2007. “Measurement methods of carbonation profiles in concrete: Thermogravimetry, chemical analysis and gammadensimetry.” Cem. Concr. Res. 37 (8): 1182–1192. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.04.015.
Wan, K. S., L. Li, and W. Sun. 2013a. “Solid–liquid equilibrium curve of calcium in ammonium nitrate solution.” Cem. Concr. Res. 53 (Nov): 44–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2013.06.003.
Wan, K. S., Y. Li, and W. Sun. 2013b. “Experimental and modelling research of the accelerated calcium leaching of cement paste in ammonium nitrate solution.” Constr. Build. Mater. 40 (Mar): 832–846. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.11.066.
Wang, Q. B., Q. K. Zhu, T. S. Shao, X. G. Yu, S. Y. Xu, J. J. Zhang, and Q. L. Kong. 2018. “The rheological test and application research of glass fiber cement slurry based on plugging mechanism of dynamic water grouting.” Constr. Build. Mater. 189 (Nov): 119–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.08.081.
Xiang, C. J., L. P. Liu, X. M. Cui, Y. He, G. J. Zheng, and C. J. Shi. 2018. “Effect of limestone on rheological, shrinkage and mechanical properties of alkali-activated slag/fly ash grouting materials.” Constr. Build. Mater. 191 (Dec): 1285–1292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.209.
Xiang, J. C., L. P. Liu, X. M. Cui, Y. He, G. J. Zheng, and C. J. Shi. 2019a. “Effect of Fuller-fine sand on rheological, drying shrinkage, and microstructural properties of metakaolin-based geopolymer grouting materials.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 104 (Nov): 103381. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.103381.
Xiang, J. C., L. P. Liu, Y. He, N. Zhang, and X. M. Cui. 2019b. “Early mechanical properties and Microstructural evolution of slag/metakaolin-based geopolymers exposed to karst water.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 99 (Mar): 140–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2019.03.009.
Yang, H., L. H. Jiang, Y. Zhang, Q. Pu, and Y. Xu. 2012. “Predicting the calcium leaching behavior of cement pastes in aggressive environments.” Constr. Build. Mater. 29 (Apr): 88–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.10.031.
You, X. J., X. Hu, P. P. He, J. H. Liu, and C. J. Shi. 2022. “A review on the modelling of carbonation of hardened and fresh cement-based materials.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 125 (Mar): 103415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.104315.
Zajac, M., L. Irbe, F. Bullerjahn, H. Hilbig, and M. Ben Haha. 2022. “Mechanism of carbonation hydration hardening in Portland cement.” Cem. Concr. Res. 152 (Dec): 106687. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2021.106687.
Zhang, C., J. Y. Fu, J. S. Yang, X. F. Ou, X. T. Ye, and Y. Zhang. 2018. “Formulation and performance of grouting materials for underwater shield tunnel construction in karst ground.” Constr. Build. Mater. 187 (Oct): 327–338. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.07.054.
Zhang, C., J. S. Yang, J. Y. Fu, X. F. Ou, Y. P. Xie, Y. Dai, and J. S. Lei. 2019a. “A new clay-cement composite grouting material for tunnelling in underwater karst area.” J. Cent. South. Univ. 26 (7): 1863–1873. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-019-4140-5.
Zhang, J. P., L. M. Liu, Q. H. Li, W. Peng, F. T. Zhang, J. Z. Cao, and H. Wang. 2019b. “Development of cement-based self-stress composite grouting material for reinforcing rock mass and engineering application.” Concr. Build. Mater. 201 (Mar): 314–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.12.143.
Zhang, L. K., X. Q. Qin, J. S. Tang, W. Liu, and H. Yang. 2017. “Review of arsenic geochemical characteristics and its significance on arsenic pollution studies in karst groundwater, southwest China.” Appl. Geochem. 77 (Feb): 80–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeochem.2016.05.014.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 11, 2021
Accepted: Mar 29, 2022
Published online: Sep 27, 2022
Published in print: Dec 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Feb 27, 2023
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.