The influence of mechanical activation of components and w/c ratio on the strength of CEM III blast furnace cement

The article presents the effect of mechanical activation [grinding] of the main components of blast furnace cement and various w/c ratios on the strength of blast furnace cement CEM III. Activated Portland clinker and ground granulated blast furnace slag were used for the tests. It was found that the level of early strength is more influenced by the degree of grinding of Portland clinker than by granulated blast furnace slag. On the other hand, grinding of granulated blast furnace slag allows for significant increases in strength in the later maturation period, from the 14th day of maturation. The most effective solution is to combine the synergistic effect obtained from mechanical activation [grinding] of granulated blast furnace slag and a reduced w/c ratio from 0.5 to 0.3. Such action significantly increases the scope of application of low-emission slag cements in construction.