Effect of Temperature on Hydration of Cementitious Materials

Activation energy defines the temperature sensitivity of a concrete mixture and is used in the equivalent age maturity method to convert concrete properties that are determined at the reference temperature to any other curing temperature. Currently, contradictory activation energy values are recommended for use in literature. This paper emphasizes the difference in behavior of cementitious materials with regard to the effect of temperature on the development of mechanical (strength) properties and hydration products (hydration). The aims are to provide guidance on the selection of an appropriate activation energy value and to present a model to account for the effect of temperature on the rate of hydration when different cement types and mineral admixtures are used. An activation energy model is presented that is a function of the cement composition and the type of mineral admixtures used in the concrete mixture.