Scaling the rock : a micromechanical model for the elastic properties of hydrated cement pastes

Abstract

Cement is the most widely produced material worldwide. However, the understanding on how its nanoscale composition affect its microscale mechanical properties is limited. In this thesis, a micromechanical model for the purpose of cement hydration simulation was developed and tested using HYMOSTRUC3D hydration software and a micromechanical particle with interphase model developed by Deng and Van Vliet. It was then tested against empirical micro- and nanoindentation tests done on samples synthesized, cured, and prepared in situ. Preliminary mechanical calculations coupled with the hydration software show good agreement with experimental data. Additionally, predicted ranges of effective particle moduli values were found in nanoindentation testing. These observations support the validity of treating high density C-S-H as an interphase between low density C-S-H and clinker particles.