CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A regiÃo do AgropÃlo do Baixo Jaguaribe desempenha um importante papel no cenÃrio econÃmico e social do estado do CearÃ, propiciando, a cada dia, novas oportunidades para o desenvolvimento local de atividades relacionadas à agricultura irrigada e aos agronegÃcios. Verifica-se, contudo, que a infra-estrutura rodoviÃria da regiÃo encontra-se muito precÃria, apresentado fatores, como a falta de solos adequados e os limitados recursos financeiros, que acabam inviabilizando economicamente os investimentos na melhoria da malha rodoviÃria local. Torna-se entÃo necessÃria a busca por alternativas tecnolÃgicas que permitam a reduÃÃo dos custos de implantaÃÃo e melhoria de pavimentos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade tÃcnica do uso da cal na estabilizaÃÃo de solos ocorrentes no AgropÃlo do Baixo Jaguaribe, estado do CearÃ, para o emprego em camadas nobres de rodovias. Nesse trabalho foram selecionadas duas amostras de solos da regiÃo para o estudo da estabilizaÃÃo com a inserÃÃo da cal. Foram analisadas duas formas de aplicaÃÃo do estabilizante ao solo: uma delas diluÃda na Ãgua de compactaÃÃo (mÃtodo proposto) e a outra em pà (mÃtodo convencionalmente utilizado). As outras variÃveis investigadas na pesquisa relacionaram-se com os teores da cal aplicados (3%, 5% e 7%), os tempos de cura aos quais as misturas foram submetidas (0, 7, 14, 28 e 90 dias) e a variaÃÃo das energias de compactaÃÃo, normal e intermediÃria, utilizadas em alguns ensaios especÃficos. As misturas estabilizadas foram submetidas a dois mÃtodos de dosagem: um analisando o comportamento quÃmico das amostras, por meio da evoluÃÃo dos valores de pH, e o outro analisando o comportamento mecÃnico, por meio da evoluÃÃo dos valores de resistÃncia à compressÃo simples. As misturas produzidas em laboratÃrio foram submetidas tambÃm a avaliaÃÃo da resistÃncia mecÃnica por meio dos ensaios de ResistÃncia à CompressÃo Simples, ResistÃncia à TraÃÃo por CompressÃo Diametral e MÃdulo de ResiliÃncia. Foi verificado que a estabilizaÃÃo quÃmica realizada atravÃs da adiÃÃo da cal (em pà e em pasta) proporcionou o incremento de resistÃncia nas amostras naturais dos solos estudados, em funÃÃo de algumas caracterÃsticas fÃsicas e quÃmicas dos mesmos. Com base nos ensaios realizados, verificou-se uma melhor aplicabilidade da cal no processo de estabilizaÃÃo de um dos solos estudados. / The Baixo Jaguaribeâs Agricultural Pole plays an important role in the socio-economic scenario in the State of Ceara. This agriculture pole has been promoting new opportunities for the development of irrigated agriculture and agribusiness; nevertheless, its highway infrastructure is poor. The regionâs lack of appropriate soil coupled with limited financial resources make economically unfeasible any effort to improve the road network. Therefore, it is necessary to search for technological alternatives that allow both the reduction of implantation costs and the pavement improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate the technical viability of using lime to stabilize the soil at the Baixo JaguaribeÂs Agricultural Pole, Ceara, to be used in noble layers of highway. Two samples from the regionâs soil were selected for this study in order to investigate the soil stabilization after adding lime. Two methods of administering the stabilizer to the soil were analyzed: in the first one, the lime was diluted in the compacting water (experimental method) and, in the second on, the lime powder was directly administered (control method). Other variables investigated in this study are a) the rate of lime administered (3%, 5%, and 7%), b) the curing time to which the mixtures were administered (0, 7, 14, 28, and 90 days), and c) the compacting energy variation, normal and intermediate, used in some specific tests. The stabilized mixtures were submitted to two dosage methods: one analyzed the samplesâ chemical performance through the pH values evolution and the other one analyzed the samplesâ mechanic performance through the resistance to simple compression values evolution. The mixtures produced in the laboratory were also submitted to mechanic resistance evaluations through the compression strength test, the diametrical compression test, and the resilience modulus test. It was observed that the chemical stabilization obtained by adding lime (powder or diluted in water) promoted improvement at the analyzed soil samples due to the some of the soil physical and chemical features. Based on these analyses, the best outcome by adding lime to stabilize the soil was observed in one of the investigated soils.

Submitted by Cássia Santos (cassia.bcufg@gmail.com) on 2017-06-05T10:28:14Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - José Milton Alves - 2013.pdf: 1542621 bytes, checksum: 4d62568816ffa3dacd55ce2815dd9500 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-06-05T10:55:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - José Milton Alves - 2013.pdf: 1542621 bytes, checksum: 4d62568816ffa3dacd55ce2815dd9500 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-05T10:55:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Tese - José Milton Alves - 2013.pdf: 1542621 bytes, checksum: 4d62568816ffa3dacd55ce2815dd9500 (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-22 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás - FAPEG / There are no specific recommendations for the culture of crambe over fertilization with macro and micronutrients. This study aims to evaluate the effect of base saturation and mineral fertilization on crop crambe. Experiments were set in two growing seasons. In the first year were montadsos experiments in pots in the greenhouse and in the year 2010 which evaluated independently, the effect of doses of (N, P, Zn and B). The doses evaluated in mg kg-1 of soil were: N (control, 20, 40 and 80), P (control, 20, 40 and 80), Zn (control, 1, 2, and 4), B (control, 0.5, 1, and 2.) We evaluated the following parameters: root dry weight per plant, shoot dry mass per plant, grain yield per plant and oil content of the grain. In the year 2011, which was the second year of cultivation, were assembled in three experiments to evaluate field conditions, in isolation, in a factorial design the effect of raising the base saturation and nitrogen levels, base saturation and doses Phosphorus and base saturation and potassium levels in the culture of crambe. Each of these experiments was formed by a factorial design (4x3) with 4 replicates totaling 48 installments, the common witness to all nutrients. In each experiment, four levels of saturation and three levels of each mineral fertilizers. The base saturation levels were: (34 - natural soil, 40, 50 and 60%). The mineral fertilizers were evaluated: a) Nitrogen - 1 = control, 2 = 40 kg ha-1 nitrogen, 3 = 80 kg ha-1 nitrogen, b) Phosphorus - 1 = control, 2 = 40 kg ha-1 P2O5, 3 = 80 kg ha-1 P2O5, c) potassium - 1 = control, 2 = 40 kg ha-1 of K2O, 3 = 80 kg ha-1 of K2O. The experimental plots were formed by a rectangle of 9 m2 with 5 lines of planting spacing of 0.45 m between them. The planting was held using the cultivar 'Bright FMS ". The results obtained in greenhouse experiments showed that the addition of nitrogen increased linearly all measured parameters. The addition of phosphorus levels increased linearly the development of root, shoot and grain production. Addition of zinc doses increased linearly shoot growth and grain yield. The addition of boron doses quadratically influenced the development of the root system. The experiments in the field showed that the addition of nitrogen increased the dry weight of roots and shoots, productivity and no influence on oil content. The phosphorus levels significantly increased all parameters evaluated. Potassium significantly increased all parameters except the oil content. The base saturation influenced all parameters in a linear or quadratic. / Ainda não há recomendações específicas para a cultura do crambe em relação a adubação com macro e micronutrientes. Este trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar o efeito da saturação por bases e adubação mineral na cultura do crambe. Foram instalados experimentos em dois anos de cultivo. No primeiro ano foram instalados experimentos em vasos e em casa de vegetação no ano de 2010 avaliando, de forma independente, o efeito de doses de (N, P, Zn e B). As doses avaliadas em mg kg-1 de solo, foram: N (testemunha, 20, 40 e 80), P (testemunha, 20, 40 e 80), Zn (testemunha, 1, 2, e 4), B (testemunha, 0,5, 1, e 2). Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: massa seca de raiz por planta, massa seca da parte aérea por planta, produção de grãos por planta e teor de óleo dos grãos. No ano de 2011, que foi o segundo ano de cultivo, foram instalados três experimentos em condição de campo para avaliar, de forma isolada, em um esquema fatorial o efeito da elevação da saturação por bases e doses de nitrogênio, saturação por bases e doses de fósforo e saturação por bases e doses de potássio na cultura do crambe. Cada um desses experimentos foi formado por um fatorial (4x3) com 4 repetições totalizando 48 parcelas, sendo a testemunha comum para todos os nutrientes. Em cada experimento foram avaliados quatro níveis de saturação por bases e três níveis de cada uma das adubações minerais. Os níveis de saturação por bases foram: (34 - natural do solo, 40, 50 e 60 %). As adubações minerais avaliadas foram: a) Nitrogênio - 1=testemunha; 2= 40 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio; 3 = 80 kg ha-1 de nitrogênio, b) Fósforo - 1= testemunha; 2= 40 kg ha-1 de P2O5; 3= 80 kg ha-1 de P2O5, c) potássio - 1=testemunha; 2= 40 kg ha-1 de K2O; 3= 80 kg ha-1 de K2O. As parcelas experimentais foram formadas por um retângulo de 9 m2 com 5 linhas de plantio com espaçamento entre elas de 0,45m. O plantio foi realizado no dia 08/03/2011 utilizando a cultivar “FMS Brilhante”. Os resultados obtidos nos experimentos de casa de vegetação mostraram que a adição das doses de nitrogênio elevou de forma linear todos os parâmetros avaliados. A adição das doses de fósforo elevou de forma linear o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular, da parte aérea e a produção de grãos. A adição das doses de zinco elevou de forma linear desenvolvimento da parte aérea e a produção de grãos. A adição das doses de boro influenciou de forma quadrática o desenvolvimento do sistema radicular. Os experimentos em condições de campo mostraram que a adição das doses de nitrogênio aumentou a massa seca do sistema radicular e da parte aérea, a produtividade e não influenciou no teor de óleo. As doses de fósforo elevaram significativamente todos os parâmetros avaliados. O potássio elevou significativamente todos os parâmetros avaliados com exceção do teor de óleo. A saturação por bases influenciou todos os parâmetros avaliados de forma linear ou quadrática.

Vidros comerciais de base silicato do tipo sodo-cálcico, apresentam coloração pela presença de óxidos de metais de transição, tais como ferro e cobalto, ou pela presença de elementos não-metálicos, tais como o selênio. Geralmente, a presença de selênio metálico (Se°) num vidro silicato confere-lhe a cor rosa (depende de seu estado de oxidação). Desse modo, industrialmente, adiciona-se selênio à composição de vidros quando se deseja produzir vidros róseos ou, mais freqüentemente, quando se deseja mascarar a cor esverdeada conferida pela presença de ferro, o principal contaminante das matérias-primas naturais. Entretanto, o selênio é encontrado em pequenas quantidades na natureza, daí seu alto custo. Além disso, da quantidade inicial de selênio colocada na composição de vidros industriais sodo-cálcicos, quase 80% são vaporizados durante a etapa de fusão do vidro. Este trabalho é dedicado ao estudo do efeito da adição de diferentes compostos portadores de selênio como matéria-prima em substituição ao selênio metálico, visando a redução da volatilização de selênio durante a fusão. Além do selênio metálico, foram utilizados selenitos de sódio, de bário, de zinco e de ferro. Os vidros foram obtidos por fusões em escala de laboratório, em cadinhos de alta alumina, a 1500°C, em forno elétrico. A seguir determinou-se a composição química de cada vidro obtido, por fluorescência de raios X e sua cor, através da determinação de suas coordenadas cromáticas no sistema CIEL*a*b*. A análise dos resultados teve como principal conclusão que a concentração final de selênio no vidro é função apenas de sua quantidade no banho, independentemente do composto químico que lhe forneceu. / Commercial silicate glasses of the soda-lime system attain color by the presence of transition metal oxides, such as iron and cobalt, or by the presence of non-metallic elements, like selenium. Usually, the presence of metallic selenium (Se°) in a silicate glass results in a light pink coloration (depends on its oxidation state). Therefore, industrially, selenium is added to a glass composition when the objective is to obtain a pink color glass, or, more often, when the objective is to mask the greenish coloration resultant from the presence of iron, the most usual contaminant in the natural raw-materials. However, selenium occurs in the nature only in small quantities. Besides, from the initial selenium added to industrial soda-lime batch compositions, almost 80% volatilize during melting. This work is dedicated to the study of the effect of adding selenium from different raw-materials, substituting for the metallic selenium, with the principal objective of reducing the loss of this element during glass melting. Along with metallic selenium, sodium, barium, zinc, and iron selenites were employed. The glasses were obtained in laboratory scale meltings in alumina crucibles, at 1500°C, in an electrical furnace. After that, the chemical composition of each glass was obtained by X-ray fluorescence, and its color was measured according to the chromatic coordinates in the CIEL*a*b* method. The main conclusion that can be drawn from the analysis of the results is that the selenium concentration in the final glass is a function only of the quantity of selenium present in the melt, independently of the chemical compound which supplied such selenium.

The use of lime for soil stabilization has greatly increased since the second half of the 20th century. A lot of research has been conducted to understand the mechanisms of stabilization. These mechanisms are caused by pozzolanic reactions between lime and clay minerals. However, it has not yet been possible to quantify the factors affecting the evolution of these reactions. The variety of soils and the disruptive elements do not allow comparing these soils with each other and giving any quantitative and generalized conclusions in terms of mechanical improvement. The goal of this study is to build a progressive understanding of this phenomenon by avoiding any disruptive elements and controlling most of the parameters. Consequently, the choice is made to study a synthetic soil by controlling its particle size distribution and composition. This soil is a mixture of sand and bentonite taken at different compositions. An analysis of the evolution of lime treatment on such model soils is carried out on two scales: the macroscopic scale and the microscopic scale. The macroscopic scale studies the evolution through unconfined compressive strength, lime consumption, electrical resistivity as well as complementary studies such as sonic and triaxial tests. Results from macroscopic tests show that sand takes an important part into soil stabilization, meaning that a soil containing a lot of clay does not necessary give the best long term mechanical characteristics. Tests that allow a much more detailed comprehension of stabilization are also presented. Microscopic evolution is studied through X-Ray Computed Tomography and Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry. A study on tomographic image treatment has also been carried out to segment the images from its different constituents. / L'utilisation de la chaux pour stabiliser le sol s'est considérablement déve-lop-pée depuis la seconde moitié du 20e siècle. De nombreuses recherches ont vu le jour pour comprendre les mécanis-mes de cette stabilisation. Ces mé-ca-nis-mes sont causés par les réactions pouzzolaniques entre la chaux et les minéraux argileux. Cependant, il n'a pas encore été possible de quantifier totalement les facteurs influençant le déroulement de ces réactions. La diversité des sols et la présence d'éléments perturbateurs ne permettent pas de les comparer et d'en tirer des conclusions quantitatives et généralisables en termes d'amélioration des paramètres mécaniques. Cette étude envisage donc de construire une compréhension progressive du phénomène en ne prenant pas en compte les éléments perturbateurs et en contrôlant à priori un maximum de paramètres. Pour ce faire, il est proposé d'étudier un sol synthétique dont la granulométrie et la composition peuvent être contrôlées. Ce sol est un mélange de sable et de bentonite pris à différentes compositions. Une analyse sur l'évolution du traitement à la chaux est alors effectuée sur ces mélanges sur deux échelles :l'échelle macroscopique et l'échelle microscopique. L'échelle macroscopique envisage des essais de compression simple, de consommation de chaux, de résistivité électrique ainsi que des essais complémentaires tels que les essais soniques et triaxiaux. Les résultats macroscopiques montrent que le sable joue un rôle important dans la stabilisation, le sol présentant la fraction argileuse la plus importante n'ayant pas les meilleures caractéristiques mécaniques à long terme. Les tests permettant une compréhension plus fine de cette stabilisation sont également présentés. L'échelle microscopique est étudiée via la tomographie aux rayons-X et la porosimétrie au mercure. Une étude sur le traitement des images tomographiques est aussi mise en oeuvre pour segmenter de manière adéquate les images de ses différents constituants. / Doctorat en Sciences de l'ingénieur et technologie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

The current trends in the road transport sector show a growth in axle loads as well as vehicle numbers on all types of roads in highly industrialised countries as well as in developing countries. This increase in axle loads and numbers has forced road agencies to amend their design standards adopting designs that provide roads with higher load bearing capacity. However, the rapid depletion of natural road construction gravel, as well as strict environmental conservation laws have resulted in many agencies in-charge of road construction and maintenance to resort to use of alternative materials that will be economically feasible and environmental friendly. The use of natural pozzolans for stabilising pavement layers fulfils this requirement. This research study was performed with the aim of evaluating the engineering properties of aggregate-lime-natural pozzolan (ALP) mixtures at varying compaction degrees of saturation and to compare them with conventional cement-stabilized aggregates. Two types of pozzolans found in Tanzania were used. The laboratory investigation was carried out in two parts, namely a pilot investigation where the strength behaviour with time, shrinkage and CBR were determined at three degrees of saturation for a washed river sand specimen followed by the main investigation using two different types of sands at four varying degrees of saturation. The study showed that the compaction degree of saturation for ALP mixes plays an important role in their tensile and compressive strengths development regardless of their optimum moisture contents. The ratio between tensile and compressive strengths for ALP mixes was also found to closely obey the relation given by Fulton (2001) for concrete. The ALP mixes were also observed to develop their strength similar to cement mixes with the formation of tobermorite crystals with the additional of water and appropriate activator. Both pozzolan mixes developed significant tensile and compressive strength after 28 days of curing similar to cement mixes. High CBR values for the two ALP mixes were obtained in mixes moulded at degrees of saturation lower than that corresponding to their optimum. Similarly, the shrinkage of the mixes was found to decrease with a decrease in the degrees of saturation. The CBR and shrinkage of the ALP mixes were found to show similar trend to that of the control cement mixes. The ALP mixes showed no significant strength loss with an increase in the fines content in unwashed sand mix in comparison with that of washed sand mixes. No significant strength loss was observed in the ALP mixes as in the control cement mixes at all moulding degrees of saturation. Finally the study concluded that the ALP mixes could be used in stabilization of pavement layers. However, care must be taken in deciding the compaction degrees of saturation as the specifications used in conventional cement stabilization does not necessarily yield desirable strength development in ALP mixes. / Dissertation (MEng (Transportation))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Civil Engineering / unrestricted

The main water transport properties of clay brick are critically examined in respect of suction and water content. An experimental investigation is carried out to compare the sorptivity and vacuum saturation porosity with suction and “porosity” tests in the standards. The water retaining ability (desorptivity) of freshly mixed hydraulic lime and cement mortars is examined and the effect of hydraulicity, pozzolanic and non-pozzolanic additive materials, binder particle size and the chemistry of mix water on the water retentivity of these mortars are investigated. The inter-relationship of substrate (brick) suction and desorptivity of freshly mixed wet lime and cement mortar are investigated. It is shown that the initial setting time of dewatered freshly-mixed mortars is reduced by a factor of up to 80% and the final setting time is reduced by a factor of 60%. The extent of this reduction depends on hydraulicity. For the cured mortars, following dewatering in the wet state, the compressive and flexural strengths are increased by about 40% for cement mortar and by more than 3 times for lime mortar. The sorptivity of hardened cement and lime mortars is reduced by 80%. These results have implications for the British and European standards where mortars are cast in impermeable steel moulds in which dewatering cannot occur prior to setting. The accuracy of the methodology of the American Petroleum Institute (API) pressure cell technique for testing the water retaining ability of fresh mortars was critically examined. An experimental investigation was carried out in two parts, first by changing the controlled variables of the experimental set up. Second the consequences for the results obtained were evaluated. Experimental verification is undertaken of the fundamental Sharp Front equation S=(2KΨf)^(1/2) which describes the inter-relationship of capillary pressure, sorptivity, porosity and hydraulic conductivity.

Le traitement à la chaux est une technique qui améliore considérablement la maniabilité et le comportement mécanique des sols à problèmes. Cependant, la durabilité de ce traitement dans les ouvrages en terre sur le long terme représente un enjeu important pour leur stabilité. En outre, la procédure de mise en place, et par conséquent, la taille des agrégats qui en résulte, est un paramètre essentiel qui peut influencer le comportement des sols traités à la chaux utilisés dans le domaine de la construction d’ouvrages. Ce travail de thèse vise à étudier le comportement thermo-hydro-mécanique des sols traités à la chaux, et plus particulièrement les effets du temps de cure et de la taille des agrégats. Des échantillons de sols limoneux et argileux traités à la chaux ont été préparés avec des agrégats de différentes tailles puis soumis à des temps de cures plus ou moins longs. Ces matériaux ont ensuite été étudiés à travers des observations de la microstructure, des analyses minéralogiques, des mesures de la conductivité thermique, de la perméabilité à l’air et de la capacité de rétention d'eau, complétées par de la détermination de la compressibilité et des mesures des modules de cisaillement en petites déformations. Les résultats montrent que le traitement à la chaux modifie de manière significative le comportement thermo-hydro-mécanique des sols. De plus, le comportement des sols traités est fortement influencé par la taille des agrégats. Plus celle-ci est grande, plus la conductivité thermique et la perméabilité à l'air est importante. En revanche, la capacité de rétention en eau est diminuée de même que la compressibilité et la rigidité du sol / Lime treatment is a technique which greatly improves the workability and the mechanical behaviour of problematic soils. However, the sustainability of this treatment in the earthworks for the long term is an important issue for their stability. Besides, the aggregate size resulting from the construction procedure is an essential parameter that may influence the behaviour of treated soils in field construction. The present work deals with the thermo-hydro-mechanical properties of lime-treated soils, with an emphasis put on the curing time and the aggregate size effects. Lime-treated soil samples (both silt and clay) were prepared with different sizes of aggregates and cured during different periods. Afterwards, these soils were studied through microstructural observations, mineralogical analyses, thermal conductivity, air permeability and water retention capacity measurements, as well as the determinations of compressibility and small strain shear modulus. The results show that significant changes of thermo-hydro-mechanical behaviour of soils are induced by lime treatment after curing. Moreover, the aggregate size also plays an essential role in the behaviour of treated soils. Samples prepared with the large aggregates present higher thermal conductivity and air permeability, but with lower water retention capacity, poorer compression behaviour and smaller stiffness

Pozzolanic reactions play a key role in improving the compressive strengths of compacted fly ash-lime specimens. Based on studies performed with cement amended fly ash (FA), activation of fly ash-lime pozzolanic reactions should accelerate the rate of strength development and mobilize larger compressive strengths facilitating improved engineering performance of fly ash amended materials. Further, use of phosphogypsum (PG) is a cause of environmental concern as the material is acidic (pH < 3.0) and contains considerable amounts of fluoride (0.86%). The main research objectives of the thesis are to activate lime-fly ash reactions by thermal and chemical activation process and examine the efficacy of fly ash pozzolanic reactions in controlling fluoride release by phosphogypsum. A comprehensive laboratory experimental program was performed to examine the influence of curing temperature (thermal activation) and calcined PG addition (chemical activation) on lime-fly ash reactions. The kinetics of fly ash-lime reactions are examined by monitoring the reacted lime content as function of curing period and temperature. The influence of variations in fly ash/lime content and dry density on the compressive strength developed by specimens is evaluated. The thermodynamic parameters for the fly ash-lime (FA-L) reactions have been delineated. Fly ash-lime-phosphogypsum (FA-L-G) mixes in slurry and compacted states were monitored for fluoride released as function of curing period The influence of curing temperature in activating fly ash-lime reactions is first examined. Specimens were cured at 25°C (termed RTC or room temperature cured) and at 80° (termed SC or steam cured) to understand thermal activation of fly ash-lime reactions. The rate of lime consumption by SC specimens classified as 2 stage process. The robust increase during stage 2 of steam curing suggested that the lime-solidification reactions did not reach equilibrium even after 4 days of curing at the elevated temperature. While only 3.1 to 3.3 % of added lime was consumed after 28 days of curing at room temperature, much larger amounts of lime ( 8.6-9.3%) were consumed after 4 days of steam-curing. Further, the lime-fly ash reactions were accelerated by 6 to 7 folds on curing the specimens at elevated temperature. The results indicated that activation of lime-fly ash reactions by curing at elevated temperature besides accelerating the rate of strength development also facilitated development of larger strength. Analysis of the free energy change values (ΔG°) indicated that the lime solidification reaction alters from dis-favored (less spontaneous) to favoured (spontaneous) state on curing at 80oC. The positive ΔH° (enthalpy change) values for the fly ash-lime reactions indicated that the reactions are endothermic in nature and are facilitated by increase in curing temperature. Gypsum activation was achieved by addition of 2.5 to 5% calcined phosphogypsum to fly ash lime mixes and curing the compacted specimens at room temperature (FA-L-G specimens). The rate of lime consumption by FA-L-G specimens appeared to be three stage process. The mass of lime consumed by FA-L-G specimens was about 1.5 to 3 folds higher than values of the RTC and SC specimens. Additional lime is consumed by FA-L-G specimens in ettringite formation. A similarity existed between rate of lime consumed and rate of strength developed by the FA-L-G specimens. It is proposed that besides lime solidification reactions, densification of the matrix by filling up of voids by fine gypsum particles and compaction of matrix by the growth of ettringite crystals also contribute to compressive strength of FA-L-G specimens; this additional mechanism of strength development accounts for their higher compressive strength in comparison to the SC and RTC specimens despite similar initial lime addition values. The trend of results suggests that activation of FA-L reactions by calcined PG addition is more effective than steam curing. Comparison of ΔG° values of RTC, SC and FA-L-G specimens revealed that the spontaneity of the lime solidification reactions is least for RTC specimens and improves with addition of phosphogypsum and further improves on curing at elevated temperature. Fly ash-lime pozzolanic reactions substantially reduced the fluoride released from the FA-L-G specimens. The marked reduction in fluoride released by PG amended with fly ash and lime is ascribed to entrapment of PG particles in the cemented matrix formed by fly ash-lime pozzolanic reactions together with consumption of fluoride in formation of insoluble fluoride bearing compounds. The thesis brings out that activation of fly ash-lime reactions leading to quicker and larger compressive strength development is achieved by curing the compacted fly ash-lime specimens at 80°C for 24 hr or by addition of 2.5 to 5% of calcined PG to fly ash-lime mix and curing the compacted specimens at room-temperature. As larger strengths are developed by PG addition than by curing at 80oC, it is recommended that FA-L-G technique be adopted for manufacture of building materials in the civil engineering industry. This technique is also sustainable as it does not require energy for heating which is needed in the steam-curing technique.

Le béton de chanvre est obtenu par le mélange d'un granulat végétal, constitué de bois de chanvre, et d'un liant. Il confère au mur de bonnes propriétés d'isolation thermique et acoustique, ainsi qu'une régulation de l'humidité. Cependant, des problèmes de non-prise, qui semblent fortement liés aux transferts d'eau dans le béton au cours des premières heures, peuvent parfois se produire. La RMN permet de quantifier l'eau dans le chanvre et dans le liant et donc de décrire et comprendre les transferts au cours de la prise. Nous montrons d'abord que, dans le liant constitué d'un mélange de chaux hydraté et de ciment, la chaux accélère la prise du ciment. Cette prise est d'autant plus inhibée que la quantité de chanvre au contact du ciment est importante. Nous montrons également que l'absorption d'eau par le granulat de chanvre s'étale sur trois jours, et qu'elle se produit en deux phases successives correspondant à l'imprégnation de deux zones du chanvre. L'étude des transferts dans le béton pendant la prise révèle une absorption d'eau rapide par le chanvre initialement, puis un transfert vers le liant. L'étude d'un béton de chanvre "modèle" nous permet d'associer ce transfert au retrait chimique du ciment au cours de la prise / Hemp concrete results from the mix of a vegetal aggregate (hemp shives) and a binder. It provides thermal and acoustic insulation to the wall, as well as a good moisture regulation. However, problems sometimes occur during setting, that seem strongly linked to transfers of water in the concrete in the first hours. NMR allows to quantify water in hemp and in the binder and thus to describe and understand the transfers during setting. We first show that, in the binder consisting of a mixture of hydrated lime and cement, lime accelerates cement hydration. This hydration is inhibited as the amount of hemp in contact with the cement increases. We also show that the absorption of water by hemp shives is takes place during three days, and it occurs in two successive phases corresponding to two areas of hemp that imbibe. The study of transfers in the concrete during the setting shows a rapid water absorption by the hemp initially, followed by a transfer to the binder. The study of a "model" hemp concrete allows us to associate this transfer to the chemical shrinkage of cement during hydration

La problématique scientifique de ce travail porte sur le rôle des paramètres de l’alumine sur les évolutions physico-chimiques de matériaux du système CaO-Al2O3. L’objectif de cette étude a donc été d’identifier les paramètres de l’alumine et autres paramètres d’élaboration ayant une influence sur les interactions physico-chimiques au sein d’un système CaO-Al2O3 dans le but d’expliquer et d’optimiser le comportement mécanique de bétons conventionnels réfractaires dans le domaine de température 800-1200°C. Les bétons réfractaires conventionnels sont des composés hétérogènes constitués de granulats d’alumine tabulaire qui jouent le rôle de squelette, liés par une matrice cimentaire, celle-ci étant constituée de clinker et d’alumine fine. Cette zone de température, entre la déshydratation et la céramisation, n’a fait l’objet que de rares études. La méthodologie adoptée, compte tenu de la complexité du matériau béton, a été la fabrication de matériaux « modèles » en voie sèche afin de simplifier et de maîtriser les microstructures, pour prendre en compte l’influence d’un seul paramètre à la fois et établir les relations entre les paramètres d’élaboration, de microstructure et de propriétés mécaniques. La première partie de l’étude a été consacrée à l’étude des propriétés intrinsèques de la phase liante, dans laquelle ont été mis en exergue les paramètres de l’alumine (surface spécifique, morphologie, et impuretés) ayant une influence sur les paramètres microstructuraux permettant une meilleure réactivité et une meilleure tenue mécanique de la matrice cimentaire. La formation de la phase dicalcique CA2 et le degré d’homogénéité du système sont les deux principaux paramètres qui influent sur la tenue mécanique de la matrice cimentaire : le frittage réactif aboutissant à la phase dicalcique contribue notablement à la consolidation du matériau. Il a été montré la réactivité est favorisée par des alumines de grande surface spécifique et contenant des impuretés, comme la silice et la soude. Un modèle statistique prévisionnel a également été mis au point dans le but de prédire le comportement mécanique des matrices cimentaires selon l’alumine choisie. Ces études, confrontées aux résultats issus de la littérature, ont confirmé que les aluminates de calcium se formaient par diffusion des ions Ca2+ vers les alumines à travers les aluminates de calcium riches en chaux.La deuxième partie de cette étude a permis de caractériser les interactions entre matrice cimentaire et granulats d’alumine tabulaire, et de mettre en avant la formation d’interphases entre les deux constituants. Ces interphases sont d’autant plus importantes et cohésives que les matrices cimentaires sont constituées d’alumines fines et impures, enrichies en chaux (même rapport A/C), et de variations dimensionnelles contrôlées. De cette étude, nous avons pu identifier les leviers permettant d’optimiser les propriétés des matériaux du système CaO-Al2O3 dans le domaine de température intermédiaire 800-1200°C. / The scientific problem of this work focuses on the role of alumina parameters on physico-chemical changes of materials of the CaO-Al2O3 system. The objective of this study was to identify the parameters of alumina affecting the physico-chemical interactions within the system CaO-Al2O3 in order to optimize the mechanical behaviour of conventional refractory concrete in the temperature range 800-1200°C. The conventional refractory concretes are composed of heterogeneous aggregates of tabular alumina and a cement matrix, this one consisting of clinker and fine alumina. The temperature zone between dehydration and ceramization is not studied so much in the literature. The methodology adopted, because of the complexity of this kind of materials, has been modelling materials "models" to control the microstructure and to take into account the influence of one parameter at a time and establish relationships between the parameters of development, microstructure and mechanical properties.The first part of this work has studied the intrinsic properties of the binding phase, and has highlighted parameters of alumina (specific surface area, morphology, and impurities) having an influence on the microstructural parameters improving reactivity and mechanical strength of the cement matrix. The CA2 content and the degree of homogeneity of the system are the two main parameters that improve the reactivity of system. A good reactivity of the cement matrix improves this mechanical strength by the effects of microstructure caused by the reactive sintering. It has been shown that these kinds of microstructural parameters are obtained for alumina with high surface area and alumina containing soda or silica. A statistical model has been developed in order to predict the mechanical behaviour of cementitious matrices with the selected alumina. These studies, confronted with results from the literature, confirmed that the calcium aluminates are formed by diffusion of Ca2+ to the alumina through the calcium aluminates rich in lime. The second part of this study highlights the interactions between cement matrix and aggregates of tabular alumina, and put forward the formation of interphases between the two constituents. These interphases are especially significant and cohesive for cementitious matrices composed of alumina rich in silica and soda with a high specific surface area, for lime-enriched matrices (with the same A/C), and for matrices with controlled dimensional variations. In this study, we have identified drivers to optimize the material properties of the system CaO-Al2O3 in the intermediate temperature range 800-1200 °C.