Performance of Celitement‐Based Concretes under a National Technical Approval (abZ)

Abstract

Celitement is a clinker‐free hydraulic binder that is produced by the mechanochemical activation of an X‐ray amorphous calcium silicate hydrate (C _1.2 SH). During hydration, it forms a dense, lamellar C–S–H structure, resulting in high mechanical strength and excellent durability. To assess its suitability for the production of concretes according to DIN EN 206 in conjunction with the German national standard DIN 1045‐2, a general technical approval (abZ) from the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik (DIBt) has been applied for.

In this context, an extensive experimental program was carried out at the accredited Materials Testing Institute Karlsruhe (MPA Karlsruhe) of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). This program included tests on pastes, mortars, and concretes to evaluate a broad range of mechanical and durability properties, always in comparison with reference cements. The overarching objective was to determine whether Celitement meets the requirements of strength class “42.5 R and higher” and all exposure classes (X0, XC1–XC4, XD1–XD3, XS1–XS3, XF1–XF4, XA1–XA3, XM1–XM3).

This paper summarizes the results of this program, focusing on the heat of hydration, strength development, and key durability properties.