The Effects of Liquid Nitrogen on Concrete Properties

The objective of this research was to determine the effects of liquid nitrogen cooling of fresh concrete on concrete hydration and properties. Variables tested included cementing materials, admixtures, fresh temperature, cooling method, and time of cooling. Hydration rate and product formation were examined, as were several properties of fresh and hardened concrete, mortar, and paste. Additional testing was performed to investigate the cracking of steel mixing drums when liquid nitrogen is used. It was determined that liquid nitrogen cooling has no significant effect on hydration or on most concrete properties, independent of temperature. However, it was found that concrete cooled with liquid nitrogen has the same slump as hot concrete, which is significantly lower than the slump of concrete made with room temperature materials. Also, it was observed that liquid nitrogen can be used to extend setting time of concrete, even when applied immediately prior to initial set rather than upon batching.

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