Strength of mortar containing activated slag

The strength development of Portland cement mortar, blended cement-slag mortars and alkali activated slag (AAS) mortars was investigated. Variables were the level of slag replacement in the blended cement-slag mortars, and activator concentration and alkali modulus (AM) in the AAS mortar. In addition the effect of heat curing on AAS mortars was also investigated. Mortars prepared using alkali activated slag as binder had greater early strength than ordinary Portland cement mortar and blended cement-slag mortars of the same water/binder ratio. All AAS mortars gained strength more rapidly at heat curing however at later age the heat curing reduced the ultimate strength compared to normal curing specimens.