Contributions of ettringite, C-S-H, and free water to shotcrete's mechanical properties: Implications from equivalent cement pastes

Ultra-early mechanical properties are critical for shotcrete performance, significantly influenced by ettringite and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) formed during the initial hydration stage and free water. This study investigates the individual and synergistic effects of these phases on mechanical behavior using equivalent cement pastes. In this system, cement was entirely replaced with dolomite particles of matching size distribution, with the controlled introduction of free water, ettringite, and C-S-H. The validity of these equivalent systems was confirmed through comprehensive characterization. Mechanical performance was subsequently evaluated using compression, shear, Vickers hardness and nanoindentation tests. Results revealed that free water remarkably weakened the mechanical properties, whereas both ettringite and C-S-H enhanced strength by reducing voids and reinforcing weak particle interfaces. Ettringite primarily contributed to interparticle friction, while C-S-H enhanced cohesion at interfaces including dolomite-dolomite, dolomite-ettringite and ettringite-ettringite contacts. When co-existing, C-S-H formed within the porous ettringite network, not only establishing a multi-scale filling structure but also stabilizing the dolomite-ettringite skeleton. These findings advance our understanding of the early-age mechanical development of shotcrete and highlight the potential of equivalent cement systems as robust tools for research into cementitious materials.