Experimental Determination of Early Shrinkage of Alkali-Activated Slag

Abstract

This paper deals with the relationship between chemical processes in the early stages of hydration of alkali-activated slag, volume changes and the development of the microstructure of this material. Two test pastes were produced for the purpose of the experiment - one with and the other without an organic admixture (isopropyl alcohol). The pastes were used to monitor autogenous shrinkage by measuring volume changes and at the same time the changes in the material during setting and early hardening using a modern ultrasonic instrument Vikasonic. The output of the described experiment is a detailed evaluation of the difference in the behaviour of the used alkali-activated paste with and without the addition of an organic admixture.