Page 6 - Handbook of Thermal Analysis of Construction Materials

x Preface

There is no book at present that provides a comprehensive treatise on
the application of thermal analysis techniques to various types of construc-
tion materials. This book comprises sixteen chapters and includes informa-
tion on almost all important construction materials. Four chapters, Chs. 2,
4, 9 and 13, are devoted to the general introduction of these materials because
of the complex nature and behavior of these materials.
The first chapter describes the more common thermoanalytical tech-
niques that are adopted in the study of construction materials. The general
principles and types of equipment used are given with typical examples. The
described techniques include differential thermal analysis, differential calo-
rimetry, thermogravimetry, thermomechanical analysis, dynamic mechani-
cal analysis, dielectric analysis, and conduction calorimetry.
The physicochemical characteristics of concrete depend on the behav-
ior of the individual components of portland cement as well as on the cement
itself. The second chapter provides essential information on cement and
cement components so that the information presented in subsequent chapters
can easily be followed. In this chapter, the formation of cement, the hydration
of individual cement compounds and cement itself, physicochemical pro-
cesses during the formation of the pastes, the properties of the cement paste,
and the durability aspects of concrete are discussed.
The information presented in Ch. 3 clearly demonstrates the extensive
applicability of thermal techniques for investigations of raw materials for the
manufacture of cement, clinker formation, hydration of cement compounds
and cement, the oxide systems of relevance to cement chemistry, and
durability processes. Some examples of the usefulness of associated tech-
niques for these investigations are also given
Incorporation of chemical and mineral admixtures in concrete results in
many beneficial effects such as enhanced physical and mechanical properties
and durability. Many types of admixtures are currently in the market and
their effect on concrete is determined by complex factors. Hence, Ch. 4 has
been included to describe types of admixtures and their roles in concrete
technology. This chapter should serve as an introduction to the subsequent
chapters devoted to the application of thermal analysis techniques for the
investigation of the role of admixtures in concrete.
The versatility of the thermal analysis techniques such as TG, DTG,
DTA, DSC, and conduction calorimetry for evaluating the role of admix-
tures in concrete is demonstrated in Chs. 5 through 8. The actions of
accelerators, retarding/water-reducing admixtures, superplasticizers and
supplementary cementing, and other admixtures are described in Chs. 5, 6,