Self-consolidating ternary systems with low shrinkage capacity

Self-compacting cementitious systems are gaining popularity in several areas of construction such as pile foundations, repair works and floor finishings since their easy application and feature to minimize the application errors make them preferable. Ternary system consisting of Portland cement, calcium aluminate cement and any calcium sulfate has also desirable features originated from the properties of each ingredient, it contains. Its properties can be modified according to the relative amount of binders with each other. By adjusting the rates, it is possible to provide rapid setting, high early strength, and shrinkage compensation to the composite. In addition, types of the binders play a significant role to control the behavior of the composite. The self-compacting ternary systems which combine the two mentioned systems' properties above, make ground in construction sector, by offering many head starts. With this composite, it is possible to cover extensive areas in a very short time with an ultimate high strength easily. In addition, to provide high volume stability to the composite is possible. This thesis aims to develop ternary systems that can be brought into service in short periods after application and be used in floor finishings, repair, retrofitting, and connecting the precast structures, considering the cost of the composites. For these purposes, Portland cement is replaced with more economic calcite powder and superplasticizer is used as an additive to the system by 0.5 % and 2.5 % by weight of Portland cement and calcium aluminate cement to obtain a self-compacting system. The self-compacting system's setting time is arranged using set retarders while shrinkage-reducing admixture and polypropylene fibers are used to reduce the shrinkage rate of the system. As a result, a self-compacting ternary system with a 48.8% better shrinkage rate than the ultimate shrinkage rate given in ASTM-C-596 is obtained.