Hydrothermal Reactions between Lime and Aggregate Fines II. Experimental Conditions for Strength Improvement Using Saturated Steam at Elevated Pressure

Compressive strengths have been determined for various mixtures of lime and aggregate fines such as silica sand, slate and rice husk ash, autoclaved at a steam pressure of 1.17 MPa (180°C) for 4.5 hours. It has been observed that the maximum compressive strength of 59.8 MPa was recorded after 4.5 hours reaction between 80.0% silica sand, 15.0% lime and 5.0% slate, 47.6 MPa was recorded after reacting 85.0% silica sand and 15.0% lime and 43.4 MPa compressive strength when the reactants are 80.0% silica sand, 15.0% lime and 5.0% rice husk ash. On the other hand if the reaction is between slate (85.0%) and lime (15.0%), it leads to a lower compressive strength (34.7 MPa).