Skeletal density measures the density of the solid material in concrete, excluding pores and voids. It is a key indicator of the compactness of raw materials and the final product, making it essential for quality control of concrete.

• Gas pycnometry: This method uses gas to determine the true density of a concrete sample, enabling precise skeletal density calculations. It can detect variations in raw material quality or inconsistencies in the mixing process.
• Applications: Skeletal density analysis ensures consistent mechanical performance and strength across production batches. By monitoring this parameter, manufacturers can validate mix designs and improve overall quality assurance.
• Relevant standards:
  • BS EN 12390-7: Testing Hardened Concrete – Density of Hardened Concrete
  • ASTM C642: Standard Test Method for Density, Absorption, and Voids in Hardened Concrete

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The phase composition of concrete significantly impacts its mechanical and thermal properties – both critical aspects of quality control of concrete. For materials like Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), controlling the formation of phases such as tobermorite is crucial for achieving the desired strength and insulation properties.

• In-situ XRD: This technique tracks phase transformations in real-time during curing, providing data on quartz dissolution and tobermorite crystallization under controlled conditions of temperature and pressure.
• Benefits: Real-time monitoring allows manufacturers to optimize production parameters, reducing variability, and ensuring consistent material properties.
• Relevant standards:
  • ASTM C1365: Standard Test Method for Determination of the Proportions of Phases in Portland Cement and Clinker Using X-Ray Powder Diffraction

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Understanding the flow behavior of concrete slurries is essential for optimizing construction materials, especially in high-performance applications such as oil well cementing, deep-water construction, and CO₂ sequestration. With reduced water content, modern concrete formulations achieve superior strength and durability, but also present challenges in mixing, pumping, and workability. Rheological analysis under high-pressure conditions helps engineers develop formulations that ensure both strength and practical usability.

High-pressure rheological analysis:
This technique involves measuring the flow properties of cement slurries using a modular compact rheometer equipped with a high-pressure cell. The method assesses viscosity changes under varying pressures and shear rates, allowing engineers to observe shear thinning and thickening behaviors, which are crucial for predicting material performance in real-world conditions.

Benefits:

• Improved pumpability & workability – Understanding viscosity changes at different pressures ensures smooth mixing and application.
• Enhanced material strength – Low water-cement ratios improve durability, while rheological analysis helps fine-tune the formulation.
• Industrial applications – Supports critical applications such as oil well cementing, for which, because of extreme conditions, it is necessary to precisely determine material behavior.

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