Chemical test methods for evaluating the alkali-silica reactivity (ASR) of an aggregate or an aggregate within a particular concrete job mix design by exposing the aggregate to a simplified system with the same or simulated long-term pore solution conditions is provided. ASR is a chemical reaction occurring between alkaline hydroxides within cement paste and certain types of amorphous silica found in mineral aggregates. Causing an accumulation of internal pressure within concrete structures due to the formation of a hygroscopic gel through the absorption of water, ASR leads to expansion and cracking of concrete. The present test method determines the reactivity index (RI) of a given aggregate, or an aggregate as it is to be used in a proposed concrete job mix design by determining the average concentrations of calcium, aluminum, and silicon across multiple tested samples, wherein the RI is the ratio of the concentrations of silicon to that of aluminum and calcium combined.

A radiation shield unit, which shields against neutron rays, X-rays, and γ-rays, contains 10 vol % or more and 90 vol % or less of gadolinium.

A precast concrete molded body is provided, which is a cured product of a concrete composition. The concrete composition comprises: a microcapsule; cement; and at least one type of aggregate. The microcapsule is provided with a core-shell structure having i) a core made of a water repellent organosilicon material selected from the group consisting of organosilanes, organosilane partial condensation products, and branched siloxane resins, and ii) a shell made of a silicon-based network polymer containing silica units. The concrete composition contains 0.01 to less than 0.5 parts by weight of microcapsules per 100 parts by weight of cement. Thereby, a precast concrete molded body can be provided, having high strength, as well as at least one of the following properties: air content stability, substance penetration prevention, and freeze-thaw resistance.

An additive injection system can be a part of a cementitious slurry mixing and dispensing assembly. The additive injection system can be used to inject an additive into an auxiliary slurry discharge conduit carrying a secondary flow of cementitious slurry produced in the assembly such that the secondary slurry stream is different from a main slurry stream discharged from a main slurry discharge conduit.

Compositions and a method for making self consolidating grouts containing fly ash, ground granulated blast slag, and lime are described. No polymeric admixtures are utilized, and the 28 day cure strength of the cured gouts exceeds the minimum ASTM standards. The uncured grout exhibits slump flows between 24 and 30″ without visible segregation of the components.

Compositions and a method for making self consolidating grouts containing fly ash, ground granulated blast slag, and lime are described. No polymeric admixtures are utilized, and the 28 day cure strength of the cured gouts exceeds the minimum ASTM standards. The uncured grout exhibits slump flows between 24 and 30″ without visible segregation of the components.

Methods of wellbore cementing are provided. A method of analyzing a solid particulate including: measuring a water requirement of the solid particulate; and determining an approximation of specific surface area of the solid particulate from the water requirement.

Methods of wellbore cementing are provided. A method of analyzing a solid particulate including: measuring a water requirement of the solid particulate; and determining an approximation of specific surface area of the solid particulate from the water requirement.

A gypsum fiber board produced in a Siempelkamp dry-process, comprising 75 wt % to 90 wt % (relative to the total dry mix) of calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate and 10 wt % to 25 wt % (relative to the total dry mix) paper fibers, wherein the calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate is a mixture of α-calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate and β-calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate, wherein the content of α-calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate in the mixture is at least 5 wt % (relative to the total calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate) is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for producing a gypsum fiber board of a thickness of 23 mm in a Siempelkamp dry-process.

A gypsum fiber board produced in a Siempelkamp dry-process, comprising 75 wt % to 90 wt % (relative to the total dry mix) of calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate and 10 wt % to 25 wt % (relative to the total dry mix) paper fibers, wherein the calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate is a mixture of α-calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate and β-calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate, wherein the content of α-calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate in the mixture is at least 5 wt % (relative to the total calcium sulfate hemi-hydrate) is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for producing a gypsum fiber board of a thickness of 23 mm in a Siempelkamp dry-process.