The effect of w/b and temperature on the hydration and strength of blastfurnace slag cements

•Later compressive strength of PC is reduce when curing to elevated temperature.•The GGBFS-hydration is very sensitive to the curing temperature.•The rate of hydration of Portland cement and slag depends on the w/b of mixture.•Crossover effect on strength is delayed with 40% GGBFS and absent for 80% GGBFS.•The design of blastfurnace cement may be based on the concepts shown in this paper.