Juenger – Recent Advances in Sulfoaluminate-belite Cement Research
Maria Juenger
University of Texas – Austin
Sulfoaluminate-belite (SAB) cement has been studied and manufactured for over 30 years as an alternative to portland cement, principally for its high early strength gain, shrinkage-compensation, low lime content, and low embodied energy. These latter two attributes have spurred recent interest as the cement industry faces the challenge of reducing CO2 output and energy use. Unlike portland cement, there are no guidelines governing the composition of SAB cement, the principal commonality being only the presence of a calcium sulfoaluminate phase (C4A3 ) and the absence of alite (C3S). This complicates comparisons of research findings across studies and the ability to generalize conclusions about the properties of these systems, including such things as phase formation during clinkering, hydration kinetics, the development of mechanical properties, and long-term durability. In this presentation a critical review of the SAB literature is presented, focusing on recent advancements and including findings from our own laboratory investigations.