Impact of Barite addition on the properties of Heavyweight Cement
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
National Higher School of Technology and Engineering Annaba
Abstract
This research focuses on the potential integration of barite as a partial additive in cement-based materials. The study begins with an overview of the Tebessa Cement Company, detailing its geographic location, production system, and quality control structure, with a focus on the role of its laboratories in ensuring cement performance and standard compliance. A theoretical review of cement and concrete is then presented, outlining the main types, compositions, and specific characteristics of normal and heavyweight concrete, with relevance to material substitution. The core of the work is a comprehensive characterization of barite. Laboratory tests performed at the Labiod Cement Plant included XRF chemical analysis, SEM-EDX morphological observation, heat of hydration tests, and mechanical strength measurements. Mortar samples were also prepared and tested to assess the impact of barite on setting time, expansion, and structural behavior. Finally, the addition of barite to concrete was experimentally evaluated. The results confirm that barite, particularly at 10-20% replacement, enhances dimensional stability and compressive strength, without compromising hydration or durability.