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Hosseini S, Mohammadi-Manesh H, Amrolahi Buyuki H. Investigating the effect of using calcium nitrate tetrahyrate, calcium formate, and silica fume additives on the early compressive strength of Portland cement at low temperatures. Iranian Journal of Ceramic Science & Engineering 2024; 13 (3)
URL: http://ijcse.ir/article-1-1004-en.html

Investigating the effect of using calcium nitrate tetrahyrate, calcium formate, and silica fume additives on the early compressive strength of Portland cement at low temperatures

Sedigheh Hosseini¹

, Hossein Mohammadi-Manesh ^*²

, Hojjat Amrolahi Buyuki¹

1- Yazd University
2- Yazd University , mohammadimanesh@yazd.ac.ir

Abstract: (11 Views)

Concrete casting in cold weather is challenged by the reduced cement hydration rate and the consequent loss of early-age strength. The combined effect of silica fume, calcium nitrate, and calcium formate on the early-age strength of Portland cement mortar at low temperatures has not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, the synergistic effect of these admixtures on the early compressive strength of cement mortar was evaluated, and their optimum combination was determined using the Taguchi method. A mixture containing 5 wt. % silica fume, 1 wt. % calcium nitrate, and 1 wt. % calcium formate, based on the cement mass, was identified as the optimum composition. The specimens were cured at ambient temperature, 0, −5, −10, −15, and −20 °C and tested after 3 and 7 days. The results showed that decreasing the curing temperature reduced the compressive strength of all mixtures; however, the optimum mixture consistently outperformed the control specimen. At −20 °C, the control specimen exhibited no measurable compressive strength, whereas the optimum mixture achieved a compressive strength of 140 kg/cm² after 3 days. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed enhanced C–S–H gel formation and a denser mortar microstructure.

Keywords: Portland cement, Cold weather, accelerating additives, Calcium silicate hydrate, compressive strength

Type of Study: Research | Subject: Other fields
Received: 2026/04/24 | Accepted: 2026/07/12

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