Effects of Different Lithium Admixtures on Ordinary Portland Cement Paste Properties

Lithium-based chemicals are known to their signal effect on restraining alkali-silica reaction but uncertain influence on workability and mechanical property in the concrete. The aim of this research is to analyze the effects of three lithium additiveslithium nitrate (LiNO3), lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) at various dosages, with an extensive comparison on fluidities, setting times and compressive strength of cement pastes. The experimental study shows that test results vary with the type of admixture. In general, three conclusions can be made: 1) lithium nitrate and lithium hydroxide can enhance the fluidity of cement paste, but lithium carbonate has opposite effects; 2) all three lithium salts shorten setting time as well as decrease the strength at suitable dosages; 3) the variations in lithium additives dosages have different influence on the cement pastes setting time and compressive strength development.