Physical Changes and Performance at High Temperatures of Cement-Slag Blended Concretes

Abstract

This study investigates the physical transformations and assesses the performance of blended-cement concretes exposed to temperatures ranging from ambient to 800°C. Three different grades of cement: 32.5, 42.5, and 52.5, with various contents of ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), were employed in this research. The primary focus is on understanding how variations in cement-slag ratios impact the structural characteristics of concretes exposed to elevated temperatures. Through a series of mechanical tests and matrix analysis, we examined the response of concretes incorporating supplementary cementitious materials to high temperatures. The study demonstrated that slag-cement blends exhibit superior mechanical performance compared to the conventional concrete reference sample. Notably, after exposure to 400°C, the compressive strength of the blends showed significant improvement. The results contribute to enhancing the understanding of the thermal behavior and overall performance of environmentally conscious concrete mixes in challenging conditions.