Evolution of thermo-mechanical properties of concrete with calcium aluminate cement and special aggregates for energy storage

Abstract With the ever-expanding presence of solar energy, design cost-efficient heat energy storage systems is becoming increasingly relevant. Concrete a potential solid material for these but raises questions its response at high temperatures in operating conditions. This work studies concrete designed with calcium aluminate cement and three types aggregates that are stable temperatures. The mixes were exposed to thermal cycles (290–550 °C), their fatigue was evaluated mechanical, cracking, thermal, microstructural analyses room temperature after cycles. obtained results show main changes mostly produced first cycle stabilized during successive cycles, only slight decrease thermo-mechanical properties. showed stabilization crack widths between 10 80 ?m, reduction compressive strength, around 50–65%, conductivity by 30%.