This paper provides a critical review on autogenous shrinkage of alkali-activated slag (AAS). It is reported that AAS paste, mortar, and concrete generally show larger autogenous shrinkage than Portland cement (PC) counterparts. Self-desiccation is the main driving force of the autogenous shrinkage of hardened AAS, but other mechanisms also play roles, particularly at early age. Existing models developed for PC do not give satisfactory estimations of the autogenous shrinkage of AAS, unless the pronounced viscoelasticity of AAS is considered. The susceptibility of AAS concrete to extensive cracking is not necessarily high due to the effects of stress relaxation, but local creep can exacerbate the development of microcracks. Various strategies have been proposed to mitigate the autogenous shrinkage of AAS, but many exhibit side effects, e.g., strength reduction. Existing testing methods for autogenous shrinkage of PC seem applicable to AAS, but the starting time and test duration need to be reconsidered.

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Partial discharge (PD) detection is an important tool for evaluating the insulation condition of high-voltage power equipment. This paper investigates a diagnostic system consisting of a magnetic sensor with dedicated electronic circuitry. The investigated sensor is based on the giant magnetoresistance (GMR) effect, which enables the possibility of contactless detection of magnetic fields caused by PD currents. However, the bandwidth of the circuitry can be a limiting factor. In order to exploit the bandwidth of an extra high-sensitivity adapted giant magneto-resistive (xMR) sensor, this paper describes dedicated designs for compensation and signal conditioning of the xMR signals. Typical performance has been evaluated, including frequency response and time-domain response to fast calibrator pulses by the xMR sensor with the implemented circuit. The results show that the xMR sensor with the implemented circuit covers a relatively broad bandwidth and can detect PD pulses with a minimum amount of 10 pC, preliminarily verifying its possibility to detect PDs. Using this xMR system, magnetic signals from an experimental model producing surface discharges have been detected and compared with simultaneously measured signals from a high-frequency current transformer (HFCT). The results show that the xMR system can measure the magnetic fields produced by the PD currents.@en

In this study, the impacts of tap water immersion on the pore solution, phase assemblages, gel chemistry and structure, and pore structure of alkali-activated slag (AAS) pastes were studied. AAS degrades under such condition and the potential mechanisms can be concluded as lower reaction rates, gel decomposition and carbonation. The leaching of Na⁺ and OH⁻ at early stages hinders the reaction of slag, which leads to a slower formation of reaction products. Long-term leaching can result in gel decomposition after 90 d. Coarsened gel pores and capillary pores are both identified in water-immersed samples. Additionally, the leached Ca²⁺ can react with the dissolved CO₂ in tap water to form calcium carbonate. A calcium carbonate layer is observed surrounding the paste while the inner matrix is free of carbonation. The insights provided by this paper contribute to understanding the behaviors and durability of AAS in underwater conditions.

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Partial discharge (PD) detection is a standardized technique to qualify the insulation condition in power equipment. The main purpose of the article is to evaluate the performance of an extra high-sensitivity adapted giant magneto-resistive (xMR) sensor for non-contacting PD detection. First, compensation and signal conditioning circuits of the sensor are designed. Frequency response and time-domain response to fast calibrator pulses of the sensor with the implemented circuit are measured. Besides, PD experiments based on corona and surface models are carried out and compared with measurements using a high-frequency current transformer (HFCT). The results show that the xMR system can measure the magnetic fields produced by the PDs at distances up to 50 cm. The correlation between the HFCT and xMR signals is proportional under different voltages, showing that PDs can be effectively detected and evaluated by this method. PDs in a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable with an artificial discharging defect are successfully measured, demonstrating the sensitivity and performance of the xMR system.

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Partial discharge (PD) detection is essential for evaluating the insulation condition of power equipment. In this paper, the use of a high-sensitivity giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor with designed circuits for non-contacting PD detection is presented. Using this GMR system, magnetic signals have been successfully measured that are emitted in laboratory setups of a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable section and of a gas-insulated system (GIS) with artificial discharging defects. Comparison with simultaneously detected signals from a high-frequency current transformer (HFCT) demonstrates the high sensitivity and performance of the xMR system for PD detection.@en

This work evaluated the reactivity and leaching potential of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) bottom ash as supplementary cementitious material (SCM) and precursor for alkali-activated materials (AAM). The chemical composition of the amorphous phase in MSWI bottom ash was found to be in the same range as that of Class F coal fly ash. The reactivity of MSWI bottom ash as SCM and AAM precursor was tested to be much lower than that of blast furnace slag, but similar to that of Class F coal fly ash. The method of thermodynamic modeling was found useful in providing references for the mix design of MSWI bottom ash-based AAM. Grinding MSWI bottom ash into powder for the application of SCM and AAM precursor increased its leaching potential. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations were provided on how to use MSWI bottom ash to prepare blended cement pastes and AAM.

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Partial discharges (PD) detection is an effective diagnostic method to assess the insulation condition of electrical power equipment in the high-voltage laboratory or field tests. This paper presents a non-contacting PD detection method for power equipment. The method is based on an extra high-sensitivity adapted giant magneto-resistive (xMR) sensor that measures the magnetic field produced by the PD currents. Firstly, this paper describes the sensor’s relevant principle and signal conditioning circuit. Next, the sensor’s typical performance, including the frequency response and time-domain response to calibrator PD pulses, is measured and compared with our previous work. The results indicate that the xMR system’s bandwidth is improved to the MHz range. Finally, PD experiments are carried out and compared with measurements using a commercially available high-frequency current transformer (HFCT), which allows for verification of the coherence of the results concerning the PD pulses and phase-resolved PD (PRPD) patterns. The results show that PD in a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable or a gas-insulated system (GIS) with artificial discharging defects is successfully measured, demonstrating the sensitivity and performance of the xMR system for PD detection.@en