Chemical model for cement-based materials: Thermodynamic data assessment for phases other than C–S–H

In the context of waste confinement, concrete may be used both as a confinement and as a building material. Concerning radwaste, the heat released during radioactive decay will modify the equilibrium constants of the minerals forming the concrete. The present work aims to elucidate the temperature dependency of the thermodynamic functions related to minerals from the concrete or associated with some of its degradation products. A large set of experimental data has been collected, for the chemical systems SO3–Al2O3–CaO–CO2–Cl–H2O and SiO2–Al2O3–CaO–H2O, including iron and magnesium bearing phases. Most of the data collected concern experiments in aqueous media but results from calorimetric studies were also included, when available. Based on selected thermodynamic properties for each phase, predominance diagrams were drawn for the chemical elements listed above. Phase relations reported into predominance diagram appear rather consistent with most of the literature results. The case of katoite has been especially discussed, because it shows inconsistencies with respect to a hydrogarnet–grossular solid solution and with respect to phase relations reported into already published works. Finally, we underline the chemical compatibility of Portland cement pastes with carbonate aggregates, compared to silicates, for long-term storage applications.