ThermoChimie database developments in the framework of cement/clay interactions

We present here the global results of an eight-year project, where we attempted to complete the ThermoChimie database for cement minerals, zeolites and clay minerals. This work reports the methodology adopted to ensure the consistency between the three groups of minerals. Our first step concerns the relations between the three groups of minerals from field observations and experimental results gathered from the literature. A summary of the selection process is then given for clay and cement minerals and a specific focus is proposed for zeolites, with examples of analcime and mordenite. The global consistency of the selection is investigated with respect to the main chemical tendencies found for cement/clay interactions, especially considering the “alkalinity” of the minerals. Consistency is checked by establishing predominance diagrams in the chemical sub-systems of interest for the three groups of minerals, then comparing the phase relations with respect to experimental results or field observations. The methodology is illustrated using the case of gismondine and zeolite P(Ca).