Application of reactive transport models in cement-based porous media

Title: Application of reactive transport models in cement-based porous media
Author(s): J. van der Lee, L. De Windt, V. Lagneau
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Symposium on Concrete Modelling - ConMod '08
Editor(s): E. Schlangen and G. De Schutter
Print-ISBN: 978-2-35158-060-8
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-076-9
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2008
Pages: 463 - 470
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 11
Language: English

Abstract: Reactive transport models are of particular interest for the simulation of chemical processes in concrete and cement-based materials, e.g. degradation and leaching tests. They can be used for the prediction of the long-term behavior of similar systems at large scales to assess, for instance, their durability in a natural or industrial environment. This paper focuses on recently developed conceptual and numerical approaches for reactive transport models, emphasizing the implementation of features and processes important for leaching of cement paste and concrete. This includes porosity changes due to the dissolution of the matrix and/or precipitation of secondary phases, which in turn alter the diffusion coefficient of the aqueous species. The reactive transport model HYTEC proposes a rigorous coupling approach and solid numerical techniques allowing to assessing the effects with precision, especially if the medium is only partly saturated with water. The usefulness and strength of the proposed modeling approach is illustrated with an application that involves dynamic leaching of a CEM-I cement paste with a simplified composition. Degradation of the paste is underestimated by a factor of four if the model does not account for the increase in diffusivity in the decalcified zone.

Online publication: 2009-06-15
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00