Simulation of cement-paste setting behavior based on the physical properties of blended-cement powders

In this study, an empirical model was developed to simulate the setting process of cement pastes, with and without limestone. Interestingly, an excellent linear correlation was found between the time required for the cement pastes to reach penetration depths of 0 mm to 40 mm (the setting process) and the physical properties of the powders comprising those pastes. The empirical model was based on this clear, linear behavior, determined by means of linear regression analysis. The developed model offers an easy way to predict and to control the setting history of any cement paste, with and without limestone additive, by simply using the available, measured physical properties of the blended cements with limestone particles of various sizes.