Robustness improvement of fresh concrete and mortar performance for challenging casting environments with focus on sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

For various concrete applications, the early properties are a major specification, determining the functioning, the mechanical properties, and the durability of structures. The rheological properties of cementitious systems are depending on the water-cement interaction as well as on interactions of chemical admixtures with the cement hydration. The cement hydration, however, is strongly affected by the environmental boundary conditions, such as the climate or the available equipment for the proportioning and dispersion of concrete. This paper presents strategies for the robustness improvement of fresh properties of cementitious systems for challenging and particularly warm climate conditions. After explaining the basic mechanisms affecting the workability, practical conclusions are drawn with special attention on the circumstances of sub-Saharan Africa, where the climatic conditions are difficult and the casting technology is often limited. Solutions are suggested, how despite the disadvantageous circumstances, highly elaborate engineered concrete and mortar can be applied safely and with consistent quality.</p