Effect of complex admixtures on cement properties and the development of a test procedure for the evaluation of high-strength cements

Recent research has shown that a state-of-the-art process for high-performance (HP) cement adds a new dimension to ‘classical’ cement technology. The key idea of the process involves the mechano-chemical activation of cement at the grinding stage. A silica-based complex admixture is used for the activation of the cement imparting high strength and improved durability to mortars and concrete. This paper describes the effect of different complex admixtures on the strength of HP cement. According to the available results, mortars based on HP cement possess a compressive strength of up to 148 MPa. A comparison of alternative evaluation methods helps to recommend the test procedure for HP and high-strength cement.