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Training of Dyckerhoff Experts at the Research Institute of the Cement Industry (VDZ)
27 February 2020

Training of Dyckerhoff Experts at the Research Institute of the Cement Industry (VDZ)

Dyckerhoff management in Ukraine constantly contributes to the professional development of their employees and engages them in regular training and professional development programs. Therefore, in February-March of this year, Dyckerhoff representatives took part in training workshops in Dusseldorf (Germany), which were held for the first time by the Research Institute of the Cement Industry (VDZ) in Russian. During the training they attended three workshops.

Composite Cements and Mineral Admixtures for Their Production

The workshop reviewed modern approach to the use of alternative raw materials (for instance, granulated BF slag, ash carry-over, etc.) in the cement production as its main components and potential application of composite cements in the construction. The parameters of quality, activity of mineral admixtures and especially their impact on the cement and concrete properties were also presented in detail. Separate discussions were held on peculiarities of the milling technology for the main cement components and optimization of its particle size distribution. The workshop participants received a large number of practical recommendations for the introduction of mineral admixtures in cement without loss of the product quality.

Cement Influence on the Concrete Properties and Long Time Performance

As part of the workshop, the main environmental factors that affect the concrete long time performance were carefully examined. At the European or national level, requirements for the concrete composition are developed depending on the exposure class, i.e. concrete resistance to aggressive environments. At the workshop, these requirements were demonstrated with specific examples. In addition, various tests for concrete long time performance were analyzed in detail, namely cold resistance test, including in the presence of ice-melters, carbonization test, anti-penetrability performance test (chloride ion penetration and alkali-silica reaction), and sulfate corrosion test. However, separate presentations were also made on the influence of the main cement components, such as clinker, BF slag, ash carry-over and limestone, on the concrete properties and long time performance.

Modern Methods of Cement Mineralogy Analysis

The properties of any cement are determined primarily by its mineralogical composition. For the production and quality control of products, knowledge of the composition and properties of clinker and cement and their interrelation with the technological process is crucial. The workshop demonstrated up-to-date approaches to the methods of analysis of the phase and mineralogical composition of clinker and different types of cements, as well as the influence of different clinker burning conditions on its and cement properties.