Predicting quasi-brittle strength of cementitious materials: A continuum micromechanics model

Author(s): B. Pichler, C. Hellmich
Paper category: Conference
Book title: 2nd International conference on Microstructural-related Durability of Cementitious Composites
Editor(s): Guang Ye, K. Van Breugel, Wei Sun, Changwen Miao
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-129-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-123-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 894 - 900
Total Pages: 6
Language: English

Abstract: 
Results from early-age material testing implies that the macroscopic uniaxial compressive strength of cementitious materials increases first overlinearly and then linearly with increasing hydration degree [1,2]. We here quantitatively explain these macroscopic observations based on one universal hydrate strength value which intervenes in an elastobrittle strength law formulated for micron-sized needle-shaped hydration products (called hydrates), as well as on a continuum micromechanics model accounting for the characteristic microstructure of cementitious materials and allowing for upscaling the microscopic strength law to the macroscopic “material” scale of cementitious materials [3,4]. Model predictions agree well with results from macroscopic experiments on hydrating cement pastes and sprayed concretes, with different compositions and different hydration degrees. In addition, the hydrate strength value is consistent with nanoindentation-related hardness values of hydrates, which are by one order of magnitude larger than the hydrate strength [3].

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00