Hydration temperatures in large high-strength concrete columns incorporating slag

This paper presents the results of an investigation on the use of slag-blen ded cements in the production of high-strength concrete (HSC). The producti on of HSC requires high cement contents. Slag replacement can assist in red ucing high hydration temperatures, which is a problem in concrete with high cement contents. This investigation studied the hydration temperatures of concretes with nominal strengths of 100, 80, 60 and 40 MPa. The improvement s in hydration temperatures in the concretes were sought by replacing part of the ordinary Portland cement in the binder with slag. Slag replacement l evels studied were of 70%, 50%, 30% and 0%. A ternary blend, containing Por tland cement, slag and silica fume was also investigated in one of the colu mns. The study was based on square columns of size 800 x 800 mm in cross-se ction and 1200 mm high. Altogether, results of 11 columns are reported. The results indicate significant reductions in net temperature rise and therma l gradients can be achieved by the use of slag replacement in HSCs. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.