ISSN: 1546-962X
Published Online: 18 January 2008
Page Count: 12

Development of a Plane Isothermal Calorimeter: Relating Apparent Activation Energy of Concrete and the Corresponding Mortar

Wirquin, E.
Laboratoire d’Artois Mécanique Thermique Instrumentation, Université d’Artois, Technoparc Futura,Béthune

Kada, H.
Laboratoire d’Artois Mécanique Thermique Instrumentation, Université d’Artois, Technoparc Futura,Béthune

Herin, P.
Laboratoire d’Artois Mécanique Thermique Instrumentation, Université d’Artois, Technoparc Futura,Béthune

(Received 16 February 2007; accepted 27 November 2007)

Abstract

This article describes the development and application of a new plane isothermal calorimeter with reduced and adjustable thickness. This innovative calorimeter allows the study of highly reactive materials such as cement grouts or concrete containing quick-setting cements and to perform tests at high temperatures. The development of the new calorimeter consists first of optimizing the dimensions and the geometry of the device. To achieve this, a numerical model is used and tested through a series of experiments. The device is validated through calibration as well as repeatability and reproducibility tests. A potential application of the new calorimeter is then presented focusing primarily on comparing at different scales, i.e., on concrete and on Concrete Equivalent Mortar, the hydration kinetics and the apparent activation energy.

Keywords:
isothermal calorimetry, fluxmeter, hydration heat, temperature, modeling, concrete, concrete equivalent mortar, apparent activation energy

Paper ID: JAI101057
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101057
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