Chathuranga Balasooriya Arachchilage , Jian Zhao , Nimila Dushyantha , Wei Victor Liu
{"title":"A transformer-based machine learning model for optimizing the design of cementitious mixtures with mine tailings as supplementary cementitious materials","authors":"Chathuranga Balasooriya Arachchilage , Jian Zhao , Nimila Dushyantha , Wei Victor Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106363","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106363","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Realizing the full potential of incorporating mine tailings as supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to replace ordinary Portland cement (OPC) requires carefully balancing the benefits—such as cost reduction and emissions mitigation—while ensuring the mixtures achieve the required strength. Given the demonstrated effectiveness of combining machine learning (ML) with optimization algorithms in similar multi-objective optimization (MOO) problems, for the first time, this study employed a novel tabular prior data fitted network (TabPFN) model to forecast the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of those mix designs. The TabPFN model outperformed traditional boosting ML models, achieving an R<sup>2</sup> of 0.973 and a low prediction error of 2.115 MPa. Notably, its pre-trained architecture reduced computational time by 1045 s. Building on this, a MOO case study was developed using the TabPFN model to predict UCS as the first objective, alongside separate equations used as objective functions to calculate cost and total emissions. This MOO problem was tackled using the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGA-II). The optimized mixture designs achieved better balances between strength, cost, and emissions than those obtained through experimental methods, validating the use of this ML-based method for mixture design. Finally, a software tool—GreenMix AI—was developed to provide integrated access to the entire framework, translating advanced research into practical application. In essence, this research supports the reuse of mine tailings as SCMs and provides a practical pathway to developing more economical and sustainable cementitious mixtures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106363"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145255154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Martin Weisbrich, Dennis Messerer, Klaus Holschemacher
{"title":"Measurement of early age deformations in cement-based materials using distributed fiber optic sensors","authors":"Martin Weisbrich, Dennis Messerer, Klaus Holschemacher","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106353","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106353","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper presents an innovative approach to embedded deformation measurement in cement-based matrices using distributed fiber optic sensors (DFOS). The first 24 h after casting is a complex and dynamic process that has a significant impact on the subsequent quality, performance and durability of the material. Traditional deformation measurement techniques have limitations, particularly in terms of spatial resolution, variation or interruption of the hydration process. In this study, the suitability of Rayleigh scattering based DFOS for the detection of early deformation in mortars was evaluated. Experiments were performed at standardized prisms according to EN 196, using both uncoated (UCF) and ORMOCER® coated fibers (OCF). The measurements were performed under controlled environmental conditions with full temperature and humidity compensation. The results show a high reproducibility with low variation of the measured values at different samples. A negative deformation was observed after the first two hours. This was followed by expansion, which may be related to ettringite formation, thermal expansion, reabsorption of bleeding water and hydration discussed in the literature. These observations are in agreement with recent hydration models which assume a fundamentally expansive hydration process. The study demonstrates the suitability of DFOS technology for accurate and reliable measurements of early deformation in cement matrices. The continuous monitoring of concrete components over their entire life cycle opens up new possibilities for the optimization of concrete structures and contributes to a better understanding of the complex early deformations, including cracking or the influence of reinforcement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106353"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145241527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shaun Nelson , Sally Cockburn , Olivia Tuck , Martin Hayes , Gavin Cann , Cameron Halliwell , Daniel Geddes , Brant Walkley , Stephen Farris
{"title":"Development of calcium sulfoaluminate-belite cements for the encapsulation of radioactive waste","authors":"Shaun Nelson , Sally Cockburn , Olivia Tuck , Martin Hayes , Gavin Cann , Cameron Halliwell , Daniel Geddes , Brant Walkley , Stephen Farris","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106355","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106355","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To demonstrate and evaluate the potential of calcium sulfoaluminate-belite (CSA) cements for the enhanced encapsulation of future higher activity waste treatment processes, a commercially available clinker was trialled on a 3 L scale, before being scaled up to 500 L scale, using a typical In-Drum mixing (IDM) methodology and equipment employed for the encapsulation of radioactive slurry wastes in the UK. The formulation envelope varied the gypsum addition, water to solid ratio, and mixing shear regime. Mixes were conducted neat, with no addition of waste material, additives, supplementary cementitious materials, or fillers. Conducting IDM standard mixes allowed for the trial of formulations in absence of waste loading during operations, subjecting products to hydration exotherm temperatures based upon the scale of the products cast in excess of normal operations, where waste incorporation would be expected to dilute the peak hydration exotherm obtained. This scenario allows for the behaviour of the main CSA strength giving phase ettringite to be evaluated, establishing a bounding case. Following a curing duration of 28 and 90 d, the phase assemblage between products subjected to different curing exotherms were indistinguishable, despite being subjected to a range of different temperature profiles and the structure of the 500 L products being compromised. Processing properties were consistent between mixing scales, with physical properties producing desirable results when not impacted by the high exotherm temperatures experienced by 500 L products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106355"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanical properties and durability enhancement of MgO-doped engineered cementitious composites (ECC) under long-term chloride exposure","authors":"Rui Chen , Zihao Song , Tianyu Wang , Haoliang Wu","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chloride-induced corrosion severely undermines the longevity of coastal concrete structures and demands durable, high-performance cementitious materials. This study aims to evaluate the influence of MgO doses (0–8 %) and long-term (periods up to ∼270 days) sodium chloride exposure on the chloride aggregation resistance of Engineered Cementitious Composites (MgO-ECC). Mechanical properties and durability of MgO-ECC were evaluated using accelerated chloride penetration, compressive, and tensile tests. Meanwhile, the microstructural evolution was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. The environmental and economic impacts were assessed to clarify how MgO dosage influences durability and mechanical behavior in aggressive environments. The mixture containing 8 % MgO-doped ECC achieved a compressive strength of 60.7 MPa after 270 days of chloride exposure, while simultaneously exhibiting the highest tensile ductility with an ultimate strain capacity of 1.6 %, developing multiple fine cracks, and showing superior durability by passing the lowest charge passed (1722 C) in the chloride permeability test. These enhancements are attributed to pore refinement driven by brucite and magnesium silicate hydrate formation. Furthermore, sustainability normalization demonstrated that, after chloride exposure, the 8 % MgO-doped ECC achieved the most favorable energy consumption and CO<sub>2</sub> footprint. These outcomes guide the use of MgO–ECC in chloride-rich environments-such as marine structures, underground pipelines, and rehabilitation overlays-supporting durability design and life-cycle benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106354"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145226720","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cuiping Li , Xue Li , Zhuen Ruan , Hezi Hou , Long Chen , Kailong Qian , Hairui Du , Zhipeng Xiong
{"title":"Heterogeneous flow of filling slurry under shear: an explanation of its nonlinear rheological properties","authors":"Cuiping Li , Xue Li , Zhuen Ruan , Hezi Hou , Long Chen , Kailong Qian , Hairui Du , Zhipeng Xiong","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106348","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106348","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cemented filling technology serves as an efficient method for addressing tailings and enhancing the stability of goafs, establishing itself as a crucial application in metal mining operations. The mixing stage is pivotal in preparing the filling slurry, as it directly impacts the slurry working performance. The rheological properties of slurry are critical indicators of its mixing quality, influenced by various factors. To elucidate the meso-mechanical effects on these rheological properties, this study conducted macroscopic rheological experiments to derive the flow curve of slurries and employed low-field nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to quantify water distribution within the slurry. The study revealed that post-mixing, the slurry exhibited significant nonlinear rheological behaviors. Furthermore, the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance results indicated that changes in material conditions led to notable alterations in the strength of particle interactions. By integrating experimental findings, the analysis delved into inter-particle interactions, highlighting that colloidal forces, hydration forces, and friction forces predominantly govern these interactions. Ultimately, by understanding the modes of particle contact, the meso-mechanical underpinnings of the slurry's rheological properties were clarified. These insights offer valuable guidance for optimizing the mixing process and controlling the rheological behavior of filling slurries in metal mining, paving the way for more efficient and stable applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106348"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188848","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pore pressure dynamics in early-age cemented fill under multiaxial stress conditions","authors":"Hongbin Liu, Mamadou Fall","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In deep underground mines, cemented paste backfill (CPB) is subjected to complex multiaxial stress conditions, including vertical self-loading and horizontal rockwall closure, which can significantly influence the evolution of pore water pressure (PWP). Understanding PWP development under these conditions is essential for ensuring barricade stability and the long-term performance of CPB structures. This study investigates the development of PWP in CPB under realistic deep mine conditions, particularly focusing on multiaxial stress loading and drainage availability. A novel multiaxial stress curing and monitoring apparatus was employed to simulate these coupled conditions and comprehensively capture the evolution of both positive and negative PWP within CPB throughout a 28-day curing period. Although the apparatus can impose field-like temperature histories and drainage boundaries, the present tests fix temperature to isolate mechanical and drainage effects. Groundwater inflow is not explicitly simulated; instead, controlled drainage boundaries are employed to bracket typical deep-mine backfill drainage conditions. Results indicate that horizontal rockwall closure stress significantly amplifies the magnitude and prolongs the duration of positive PWP by actively confining and entrapping pore water, resulting in notably higher peak PWP values and stress-induced pore pressure coefficients (C<sub>n</sub>) compared to CPB subjected solely to vertical stress. Practically, this means that even at the same filling rate, CPB material subjected to additional horizontal rockwall closure in deep mines can experience significantly higher positive PWP, thereby increasing the load exerted on barricades at early curing stages and elevating the risk of barricade failure. As curing progresses and positive PWP dissipates, it eventually drops below zero, leading to the development of negative PWP (suction). To interpret this suction development, the study adopts the concept of the air-water interface (meniscus) from unsaturated soil mechanics, illustrating how curing-induced changes in pore structure influence meniscus curvature and consequently affect suction magnitude. Horizontal closure stress promotes consolidation and densification of CPB – supported by mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses – which reduces pore size and enhances pore water consumption. This densification leads to smaller pore sizes, generating menisci with smaller radii of curvature, thereby increasing suction (negative PWP). However, rapid and high-magnitude horizontal stresses (rockwall closure 2) at later curing stages can induce a “resaturation effect,” partially reversing this beneficial suction increase, whereas moderate horizontal closure stress (rockwall closure 1) allows stable suction development throughout curing. Furthermore, introducing drainage under multiaxial stress conditions significantly mitigates elevated positive PWP by facilitatin","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106349"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145183120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Minhui Sun , Jiangyu Wu , Hongpu Kang , Qian Yin , Hao Zhang , Hai Pu , Dan Ma
{"title":"Cellulose nanofibers synergizing with tannic acid enables high-performance grouting in deep geothermal environments","authors":"Minhui Sun , Jiangyu Wu , Hongpu Kang , Qian Yin , Hao Zhang , Hai Pu , Dan Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Achieving ultrahigh-flow grouting materials with sustained mechanical performance under deep geothermal conditions remains critical in underground engineering. This study explores a cellulose nanofibers -tannic acid synergistic modification method to enhance grout performance, overcoming the 'fast setting and low strength' dilemma in geothermal environments. Through multi-scale characterization (fluidity, setting time, compression, hydration heat, XRD, FTIR, TG/DTG, MIP, SEM-EDS, Zeta potential, particle size distribution), the effects of cellulose nanofibers dosage, temperature, and curing age on the working performance, mechanical properties, composition and microstructure were investigated. The results show that the cellulose nanofibers synergizing tannic acid significantly inhibit the performance deterioration caused by high temperature. The interaction between tannic acid and hydroxyl groups on cellulose nanofibers constructs hydrogen-bond network, enhancing initial fluidity by 50 % (up to 252 mm) and 7-day compressive strength by 19.24 % (up to 31.5 MPa). And this network structure reduces the water loss rate caused by high temperature, the hydration products are oriented in 1 μm pores through heterogeneous nucleation site regulation and bridging effect to form gradient densification structure. The optimal dosage of cellulose nanofibers to tannic acid (0.1 % CNFs + 0.18 % TA) was determined by multi-objective co-optimization. Based on the validation of ASTM C1437 standard, the dosage resulted in a 33.4 % increase in 60-min fluidity and a 26.41 % enhancement in 7-day mechanical properties of the grouting material. The research results provide a theoretical paradigm and industrial benchmark for the design of grouting materials in deep engineering, which can support the demand of engineering practice under high temperature and high pressure environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106350"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145183119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Carbonation-activated microstructural refinement in GUL-GGBFS blended mortars: Shrinkage mitigation and strength enhancement","authors":"Lei Ma, Daman K. Panesar","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106347","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106347","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbonation curing, a potential method for achieving carbon-neutral concrete, enables cement-based materials to react with CO<sub>2</sub> and form stable carbonates. The objective of this study is to investigate the volume stability and microstructural changes of mortars exposed to drying (0.04 % ± 0.001 %) and accelerated carbonation (3 % ± 0.5 %). Five mixtures with general use limestone cement (GUL) and up to 80 % ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) replacement were analyzed. Macroscopic properties, including compressive strength and shrinkage, were assessed up to 174 days. Mineralogical composition was analyzed via X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Pore structures were investigated using X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and dynamic vapor sorption (DVS). Results indicate that 80 % GGBFS reduced 28-day compressive strength by 65.6 % compared to 0 % GGBFS under drying, while accelerated carbonation compensates for this reduction, increasing 46.9 % compressive strength as GGBFS rises from 0 % to 40 % due to pore refinement from calcite and dolomite formation. Accelerated carbonation increases shrinkage by 49.2 % in specimens with 0 % GGBFS, whereas incorporating over 40 % GGBFS reduced shrinkage by 20.3 %. Although carbonation densified the pore structure and limited CO<sub>2</sub> ingress, specimens with GGBFS showed higher carbonation rates attributed to the lower Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub> from cement dilution and pozzolanic reactions. XCT further revealed crack in high-GGBFS mixes (60 % and 80 %) after carbonation, which critically compromised their strength and durability. This study demonstrates that moderate GGBFS replacement combined with carbonation curing can improve strength and shrinkage resistance while advancing carbon-neutral construction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106347"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145188849","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Liao Huang , Yaoxin Hu , Wei Wang , Anthony S.R. Chesman , Felipe Basquiroto de Souza , Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil , Wenhui Duan
{"title":"Multiscale architecturing of high-performance passive daytime radiative cooling cementitious composite","authors":"Liao Huang , Yaoxin Hu , Wei Wang , Anthony S.R. Chesman , Felipe Basquiroto de Souza , Kwesi Sagoe-Crentsil , Wenhui Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>High energy consumption in buildings is increasingly driven by the demand for electrical cooling, particularly in urban areas affected by the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This phenomenon, exacerbated by conventional construction materials like concrete that absorb and retain heat, increases cooling loads and strains energy systems. Energy-free passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) technology presents an appealing solution by reflecting solar radiation and emitting heat into the cold universe, with recent polymer composite designs demonstrating potential for achieving high PDRC performances. However, the integration of high-performance PDRC polymer materials in building applications is challenging, primarily due to inadequate mechanical strength and compatibility with construction materials. Here, we combine a cement-based honeycomb architecture with nano-engineered porous polymer to obtain lightweight PDRC-cement composites that deliver both efficient energy-free cooling performance and high mechanical strength. Specifically, the innovative material design achieves excellent solar reflectance (94.9 %) and high longwave infrared emission (97.0 %), enabling sub-ambient temperature reduction of ∼9.6 °C and a measured net cooling power of ∼196.8 W/m<sup>2</sup> at midday under an ambient air temperature of ∼65 °C, significantly outperforming state-of-the-art radiative cooling construction materials while maintaining high specific compressive strength (0.013 MPa m<sup>3</sup>/kg). With potential for incorporation into energy-efficient building envelopes, this design approach presents a promising strategy for effective building energy savings and heat island mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106346"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145183121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Time-domain characterization of the pore structure in ultra-high performance concrete with partial substitution of calcium sulfoaluminate cements","authors":"Muhammad Haseeb Zaheer , Namkon Lee","doi":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2025.106345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Moisture mobility is vital for the durability of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), yet the understanding of its evolution during hydration remains limited. This study applies time-domain <sup>1</sup>H NMR relaxometry, utilizing both solid echo (QE) and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequences, to quantitatively track the moisture dynamics in UHPC incorporating calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement. This approach enables simultaneous quantification of mobile and chemically bound water, and provides nanoscale resolution of the evolving pore network. Solid echo measurements revealed a sharp increase in chemically combined water within the first hour, indicating rapid ettringite formation. The CPMG measurements showed a rapid increase in gel pores within the first hour, reflecting accelerated C<sub>3</sub>S hydration. In CSA-UHPC, gel pores became the dominant pore type within just 4 h, compared to 20 h in conventional UHPC. An increase in interlayer pores was also observed over the same period, indicative of densification of the C–S–H structure. Furthermore, the addition of CSA cement led to a refined pore structure with reduced gel pore size, while maintaining comparable compressive strength. These trends, supported by isothermal calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and mercury intrusion porosimetry, validate the findings from <sup>1</sup>H NMR. The integrated findings contribute to a better understanding of the changes in interlayer pore, gel pore, and chemically bound water, as well as the associated moisture dynamics and pore structure development in CSA-UHPC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":9865,"journal":{"name":"Cement & concrete composites","volume":"165 ","pages":"Article 106345"},"PeriodicalIF":13.1,"publicationDate":"2025-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145140629","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}