Physical and chemical effects of limestone filler on the hydration of steam cured cement paste and mortar

The aim of the paper is to decouple the physical and chemical effects of limestone filler (LF), when used as a cement replacement. The effects were decoupled using LF and a chemically inert material (brucite Mg(OH)2). Paste, and mortar specimens were steam cured for 16 hours at 55°C. The heat of hydration, thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, and compressive strength, were evaluated at 16 hours and at 28 days. LF can adversely affect the properties through dilution effect. However, heterogeneous nucleation compensates for the dilution effect at 16 hours while the production of mono-carboaluminate compensates for the dilution effect at 16 hours and 28 days. The study could be broadened by considering a wider temperature range. The originality lies in the method of decoupling the physical and chemical effects. Measurable effects of the physical and chemical contribution of LF are evident on the mechanical and transport material properties.