Effect of Aggregate, Cement, and Mineral Admixtures on the Microstructure of the Transition Zone

Abstract
This paper contains a review of the results from the studies at the University of California at Berkeley on various factors influencing the microstructure of the transition zone in concrete. Two types of aggregate, two different cement, and three mineral admixtures were investigated. Using cement paste-polished aggregate composite specimens cured up to three years, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and microhardness testing techniques were used for characterization of the transition zone.Compared to the transition zone between a quartz aggregate and an ASTM Type I portland cement, transition zones with smaller and less preferentially oriented crystals of calcium hydroxide were obtained when using a Type K expansive cement, or limestone aggregate, or mineral additives, such as condensed silica fume, granulated blast-furnace slag, and fly ash.

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