Admixtures effectiveness in mortars in the presence of calcareous fly ash

This paper presents a study on the influence of various admixtures (SP, PL, AE, R, ACC) on rheological properties, air content, setting time and heat of hydration of mortars with the addition of calcareous fly ash. Rheological parameters of mortars were determined using a rheometer Viskomat NT. The content of air in the mortar was determined using pressure method according to PN-EN 413-2 and initial setting time was specified according to PN-EN 196-3. The study on the heat of hydration was based on an isothermal microcalorimeter TamAir. The calcareous fly ash presence usually exerts negative influence on additives effectiveness. Activating the ash by grinding improves the additives efficiency (e.g. plasticizers, superplasticizers). The influence of calcareous fly ash on effectiveness of the additives is dependent not only on its type, but also on the type of admixture. The choice of compatible admixture should be made experimentally, taking into account the presence of calcareous fly ash.