The properties of cement grout significantly deteriorate at high temperatures, making it unable to meet the demands for reinforcement in deep engineering projects. This study employed plastic polycarboxylic superplasticiser (PCS), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF), using the orthogonal test design method, to improve the properties of cement at high temperatures. Laboratory tests, including viscosity, mechanical strength, stone rate and porosity, were carried out, and a comprehensive performance index was established to determine the optimal mix proportion. The results showed that the PCS significantly reduced the viscosity, enhanced compressive strength and decreased porosity, but also decreased the stone rate. GGBS could reduce the viscosity, improve compressive strength and decrease the stone rate, but it increased porosity. FA and SF could improve the compressive strength and stone rate, but impaired the pore structure and increased its viscosity. The viscosity of the new grout at 80°C was decreased by >90%, and the compressive strength improved by >180%, while the porosity was also slightly increased. The hydration of mineral admixtures generated calcium-poor calcium silicate hydrate gels and calcium aluminium silicate hydrate gels, which inhibited the decalcification effect of gels at high temperatures, while the morphology and size of the gels remained essentially unchanged.
Article navigation
Research Article|
June 16 2026
Preparation and properties of high-temperature-resistant grout using orthogonal tests Available to Purchase
Xiuhao Li;
Laoshan Laboratory
, Qingdao, China
; State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering, Shandong University, Shandong, ChinaCorresponding author Xiuhao Li (17865195302@163.com)
Search for other works by this author on:
Rentai Liu;
Rentai Liu
State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering,
Shandong University
, Shandong, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Xiao Zhang;
Xiao Zhang
Laoshan Laboratory
, Qingdao, China
; State Key Laboratory for Tunnel Engineering, Shandong University, Shandong, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Zhichao Chen;
Zhichao Chen
Laoshan Laboratory
, Qingdao, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Zhanchao Yin;
Zhanchao Yin
Laoshan Laboratory
, Qingdao, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Chunyu Zhang
Chunyu Zhang
School of Hydraulic and Civil Engineering,
Ludong University
, Yantai, China
Search for other works by this author on:
Corresponding author Xiuhao Li (17865195302@163.com)
Declaration of competing interests The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.
Publisher: Emerald Publishing
Received:
November 27 2025
Accepted:
April 09 2026
Online ISSN: 1751-7605
Print ISSN: 0951-7197
Funding
Funding Group:
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Science and Technology of Jinan City
- Award Id(s): 202228071
- Funder(s):
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province
- Award Id(s): ZR2022DKX001
- Funder(s):
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Distinguished Youth Foundation of Shandong Province
- Award Id(s): ZR2024JQ023
- Funder(s):
- Award Group:
- Funder(s): Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province
- Award Id(s): ZR2025QC1137
- Funder(s):
- Funding Statement(s): The work was supported by the Science and Technology of Jinan City [grant number 202228071], the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province [grant number ZR2022DKX001], the Distinguished Youth Foundation of Shandong Province [grant number ZR2024JQ023] and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province [grant number ZR2025QC1137].
© 2026 Emerald Publishing Limited
2026
Emerald Publishing Limited
Licensed re-use rights only
Advances in Cement Research 1–22.
Article history
Received:
November 27 2025
Accepted:
April 09 2026
Citation
Xu W, Li X, Liu R, Zhang X, Chen Z, Yin Z, Zhang C (2026;), "Preparation and properties of high-temperature-resistant grout using orthogonal tests". Advances in Cement Research, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1680/jadcr.25.00277
Download citation file:
Suggested Reading
Hydration of belite–ye’elimite–ferrite cement with addition of red mud and waste concrete
Advances in Cement Research (January,2026)
Enhancing strength of cement using aluminium sulfate accelerator with aluminium formate
Magazine of Concrete Research (February,2024)
Is carbon dioxide pricing a driver in concrete mix design?
Magazine of Concrete Research (December,2015)
Research on the reaction kinetics of alkali-activated materials
Magazine of Concrete Research (January,2025)
Temperature-dependent effect of nanoscale phase change materials on fresh and hardened cement-based mortar
Advances in Cement Research (October,2024)
Related Chapters
CEMENTS FOR OBTAINING HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE
Role of Concrete In Sustainable Development: Proceedings of the International Symposium dedicated to Professor Surendra Shah, Northwestern University, USA held on 3–4 September 2003 at the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK
Microstructure, thermal analysis and chloride penetration of self-compacting concrete under different conditions
ICE Themes Self-Compacting Concrete
MICROSTRUCTURAL CHANGES OF HIGH DENSITY CONCRETES EXPOSED TO HIGH TEMPERATURES
Concrete for Transportation Infrastructure: Proceedings of the International Conference held at the University of Dundee, Scotland, UK on 5–7 July 2005
Recommended for you
These recommendations are informed by your reading behaviors and indicated interests.
Recommended for you
These recommendations are informed by your reading behaviors and indicated interests.
