Influence of the synergy between mineral additions and Portland cement in the physical-mechanical properties of ternary binders

The paper deals with the synergistic effect of mineral additions on the physical-mechanical performance of ternary blends prepared with different Portland cements (PC). The effect in setting and heat flow release is also analyzed. The mineral additions used are blast furnace slag (BFS), fly ash (FA) and limestone filler (LF). PCs with different C3A and alkali content have been tested to study the synergy in ternary blends. Ternary binders with PC low in C3A and alkali content achieve similar mechanical strength gain as plain PC and refinement of pore size distribution from early hydration ages due to the acceleration of PC hydration induced by the mineral additions. In contrast, ternary binders with PC higher in C3A and alkali content have a delayed in mechanical strength at early hydration ages, but significantly higher at long hydration times.