The effect of slaked lime, anhydrous gypsum and limestone powder on properties of blast furnace slag cement mortar and concrete

Basic properties of blast furnace slag cement mortar and concrete are investigated by adding inorganic activators. The result of this research concludes that slag cement mixed with suitable activator agents such as lime, gypsum and limestone powder could accelerate the compressive strength and tighten pore structure at early age. The addition of activator into mortar and concrete containing slag cement produces superior properties, reduced shrinkage and less carbonation compared to mortar and concrete containing slag cement without the addition of activator. Consequently, there are possibilities for manufacturing blast furnace slag cement, which could compensate the weak properties at early curing age. When compared with ordinary Portland cement, this cement has superior characteristics for long curing age.