A method for controlling the volume expansion of a hydraulically setting composition including steel making slag, the method including a step of adding a silica source to the composition. Furthermore, hydraulically setting compositions obtained by such methods and their uses.

This disclosure provides gypsum cement compositions which comprise an aggregate stabilizing mixture containing a combination of a polysaccharide gum and a polyacrylamide-gelatin blend, and methods for making and using these compositions, including pourable/pumpable floor underlayment slurries and methods for forming high strength underlayment on different substrates.

A sulfate-resistant cement composition may contain calcium magnesium aluminum oxide silicate, brownmillerite, dolomite, periclase, and calcium aluminum oxide. The composition may contain the calcium aluminum oxide in an amount in the range of 0.01 to 2.0 wt. %. The composition may contain the brownmillerite in an amount of the range of 20 to 30 wt. %.

Novel cement, concrete, mortar and grout embodiments for construction. The materials are produced through SCM and quicklime aqueous cement formation reactions. A novel cement is also presented that can be used to form improved concrete, mortar and grout placements. Several novel concrete embodiments are presented that can be used with any aggregate, and for any construction application; including saltwater marine placements.

The invention is directed to compositions and methods for the manufacture of pigmented solids structures for which can be used for construction and/or decoration. Manufacturing comprises fixing one or more pigments to an aggregate material such as crushed rock, stone or sand. The pigmented aggregate is incubated with urease or urease producing microorganisms, an amount of a nitrogen source such as urea, and an amount of calcium source such as calcium chloride forming calcite bridges between particles of aggregate. The resulting solid has a hardness and colorfastness for most any construction material. Using selected aggregate and pigment, the process also provides for the manufacture of simulated-stone materials such as clay or granite bricks or blocks, marble counter-tops, and more. The invention is also directed to composition containing microorganisms and pigment as kits that can be added to most any aggregate materials.

Methods and systems for cementing a wellbore are described. The methods include forming a slurry including a cement-based matrix, water, a polymer-based additive, and a rheology modifying agent; mixing the slurry to form a printing ink; introducing the slurry and a printer into a wellbore; and forming a cement-based composite structure in the wellbore by printing a plurality of layers using the printing ink.

A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment a method a cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder; foaming the set-delayed cement composition; activating the set-delayed cement composition; introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Additional methods, foamed set-delayed cement composition, and systems for cementing are also provided.

A fluidizing composition in the form of a liquid or in the form of a powder including at least one superplasticizer chosen from polycarboxylate ethers, characterized in that it includes from 1 to 20 parts by weight of at least one aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonic acid or one of its salts chosen from alkali salts, alkaline-earth salts or one of their mixtures, for 100 parts by weight of the superplasticizer. A method for preparing such fluidizing composition, a dry mortar incorporating the fluidizing composition, as well as plasters prepared from the dry mortar are also described.

Three pumpable geopolymer compositions for well sealing application is disclosed herein. One pumpable geopolymer composition comprises: (i) less reactive aluminosilicate; (ii) more reactive aluminosilicate; (iii) alkaline silicate activator solution with a very low SiO.sub.2/M.sub.2O. Another pumpable geopolymer composition comprises: (i) less reactive aluminosilicate; (ii) more reactive aluminosilicate; (iii) alkaline silicate-free activator solution that may contain an alkali salt; and (iv) powdered alkali silicate glass. The third pumpable geopolymer composition comprises (i) less reactive aluminosilicate; (ii) more reactive aluminosilicate; (iii) alkaline low silicate activator solution; and (iv) powdered alkali silicate glass.

The present specification discloses ceramic matrix compositions, methods of making such ceramic matrix compositions and methods and uses for such ceramic matrix compositions.