A mini-TSTM for measuring paste deformations at early ages

Title: A mini-TSTM for measuring paste deformations at early ages
Author(s): Eddy Koenders, Erik Schlangen, Greet Leegwater
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on Volume Changes of Hardening Concrete: Testing and Mitigation
Editor(s): O. M. Jensen, P. Lura, K. Kovler
Print-ISBN: 2-35158-004-4
e-ISBN: 2351580052
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2006
Pages: 293 - 302
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 6
Language: English

Abstract: The start of the chemical reaction between cement and water is the moment that concrete starts to develop its properties. More precisely, it is the paste that starts to generate a loadbearing microstructure that exhibits a certain number of mechanical properties. One of the properties generated during hardening is the so-called hardening shrinkage. Quite often, this property is measured from hardening concrete by linear measurements and related to the paste deformation by using mathematical models. The opposite way, by measuring the paste deformation and relate it to the deformation of concrete is another possibility that can be applied. In the paper, a new apparatus called “mini-TSTM” (Thermal Stress Testing Machine) for measuring the hardening shrinkage of paste will be presented and discussed [1]. The device has been developed to measure the hardening deformations directly from the paste. It provides more insight in the contracting forces that act on the paste located in between the aggregates. The mini-TSTM is scaled down from the “full-scale” TSTM machine which is commonly used for measuring the thermal stresses of hardening concrete elements. With the mini-TSTM, the contraction forces can be measured (load controlled) as well as the deformations (deformation controlled) which are mobilized by a paste during hardening. The mini-TSTM is a tool that fits into the moisture controlled specimen chamber of the ESEM /Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope/ with enables the opportunity to sample the paste deformations during hardening as well.

Online publication: 2006-07-30
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2351580052.031