A method of controlled hydration expansion of a smectite-containing day mineral (SCM) within an aqueous environment in a confined volumetric space, the method comprising the steps of: —introducing an amount of an SCM into said volumetric space via an inlet thereinto, and initiating the hydration expansion of the SCM to release SCM particles into the confined volumetric space, and increase the pressure therein; and —introducing a flow path modification to control said released SCM particles from undergoing a recompression, said modification thereby maintaining the pressure in the volumetric space.

A method of controlled hydration expansion of a smectite-containing day mineral (SCM) within an aqueous environment in a confined volumetric space, the method comprising the steps of: —introducing an amount of an SCM into said volumetric space via an inlet thereinto, and initiating the hydration expansion of the SCM to release SCM particles into the confined volumetric space, and increase the pressure therein; and —introducing a flow path modification to control said released SCM particles from undergoing a recompression, said modification thereby maintaining the pressure in the volumetric space.

A method of designing a cement slurry may include: (a) selecting at least a cement and concentration thereof, a water and concentration thereof, and one or more chemical additives and a concentration thereof such that a cement slurry formed from the cement, water, and the one or more chemical additives meet a density requirement; (b) calculating a thickening time of the cement slurry using a thickening time model; (c) comparing the thickening time of the cement slurry to a thickening time requirement, wherein steps (a)-(c) are repeated if the thickening time of the cement slurry does not meet or exceed the thickening time requirement, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting concentrations and/or different chemical identities for the one or more chemical additives, cement, or water, or step (d) is performed if the thickening time of the cement slurry meets or exceeds the thickening time requirement; and (d) preparing the cement slurry.

A method of designing a cement slurry may include: (a) selecting at least a cement and concentration thereof, a water and concentration thereof, and one or more chemical additives and a concentration thereof such that a cement slurry formed from the cement, water, and the one or more chemical additives meet a density requirement; (b) calculating a thickening time of the cement slurry using a thickening time model; (c) comparing the thickening time of the cement slurry to a thickening time requirement, wherein steps (a)-(c) are repeated if the thickening time of the cement slurry does not meet or exceed the thickening time requirement, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting concentrations and/or different chemical identities for the one or more chemical additives, cement, or water, or step (d) is performed if the thickening time of the cement slurry meets or exceeds the thickening time requirement; and (d) preparing the cement slurry.

The product is produced from a settable aqueous calcium sulphate dispersion which has a water to solids ratio of less than 0.4 to 1, and has distributed therethrough lightweight hollow bodies having water-impervious surfaces (such as expanded polystyrene beads). The dispersion contains a hydratable cement (such as calcium sulpho aluminate) which is capable of hydration in the presence of the calcium sulphate dispersion. The hydratable cement is such that it reacts with excess water in the dispersion thereby enhancing the water resistance of the resulting product.

The product is produced from a settable aqueous calcium sulphate dispersion which has a water to solids ratio of less than 0.4 to 1, and has distributed therethrough lightweight hollow bodies having water-impervious surfaces (such as expanded polystyrene beads). The dispersion contains a hydratable cement (such as calcium sulpho aluminate) which is capable of hydration in the presence of the calcium sulphate dispersion. The hydratable cement is such that it reacts with excess water in the dispersion thereby enhancing the water resistance of the resulting product.

Embodiments of a dry mix for producing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix includes aggregate, cement, and bed ash. The bed ash contains the combustion product of a fluidized bed coal combustion reaction. Additionally, embodiments of a method of preparing the dry mix and embodiments of a method of preparing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix is also suitable for repairing soil slips, and embodiments of a method of repairing a soil slip are also provided.

Embodiments of a dry mix for producing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix includes aggregate, cement, and bed ash. The bed ash contains the combustion product of a fluidized bed coal combustion reaction. Additionally, embodiments of a method of preparing the dry mix and embodiments of a method of preparing a concrete composition are provided. The dry mix is also suitable for repairing soil slips, and embodiments of a method of repairing a soil slip are also provided.

A mortar composition, in particular for preparing a viscoelastic structure and/or a fire barrier, including: a) 15-50 wt.-% of a hydraulic binder, b) 5-35 wt.-% of lightweight aggregates, c) 5-25 wt. % of further aggregates which have a particle density that is higher than the particle density of the lightweight aggregates, and d) 10-50 wt.-% of a polymer.

A mortar composition, in particular for preparing a viscoelastic structure and/or a fire barrier, including: a) 15-50 wt.-% of a hydraulic binder, b) 5-35 wt.-% of lightweight aggregates, c) 5-25 wt. % of further aggregates which have a particle density that is higher than the particle density of the lightweight aggregates, and d) 10-50 wt.-% of a polymer.