It is nearly impossible to conduct “perfect” adiabatic calorimetry tests without specialised equipment, which may be costly in most cases. A hybrid termed semi-adiabatic calorimetry is thus employed frequently to describe a simple more cost effective means by which to measure the heat of hydration. Semi-adiabatic calorimetry can be described as an indication of the heat evolved from a cementitious mixture hydrating in an environment or container having some thermal insulation properties, according to a record of the mixture’s changing temperatures over time.

 

The properties of a semi-adiabatic calorimeter are as follows:

 

• The value is generally in comparative data

• Simpler, less expensive equipment is required

• Results are affected by certain variables

• Useful in the field or the laboratory

 

Simple semi-adiabatic calorimeters can be constructed on relatively low budgets for use in the field or in the lab for many practical applications and can be used for the following applications:

 

• Comparing setting time effects and hydration efficiency

• Troubleshooting concrete field problems

• Cement quality control (optimizing sulphate content)

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A simple semi-adiabatic calorimeter constructed using thermocouples (temperature senors) and polystyrene cups (insulation) can be seen in the figure below.

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