Automated Data Acquisition System for Monitoring Cement Hydration

Abstract

An electrical technique is described that monitors the chemical and physical changes occurring within cement paste. The present research program has concentrated on the initial 24 hrs after gaging with water and investigates the influence of retarders, accelerators, and cements of different type on electrical response. The principal aim of this paper, however, is to describe the design and development of a microcomputer controlled data acquisition system, which can then be used to log the changes in electrical response of cement paste with time. The system described, which is an advancement on earlier techniques, highlights the application and use of microcomputers in the laboratory for instrument control.