Research Brief: A Reaction-Diffusion Model to Determine Mesoscale Patterns in Cement Paste
Name
2018Vol7_ResearchBrief_Petersen_FINAL.pdf
Size
4.97 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
b38dd52808ed9e2102b66875b8c806a0
Author(s)
Petersen, Thomas
Bazant, Martin
Pellenq, Roland
Ulm, Franz-Josef
Date Issued
August 2018
Series/Report no.
MIT CSHub Research Brief; Volume 2018, Issue 7
Abstract
Strength and toughness, two important aspects of the durability of concrete structures, are dramatically influenced by the material’s nanotexture, but the question of how the building blocks of cement paste organize themselves to create this nanotexture is still being answered. Recent modelling efforts by CSHub researchers demonstrated a convincing pathway. Upon mixing water with cement clinker, ions dissolve into the pore solution and precipitate out nanometer-sized grains of calcium-silicate-hydrates (C-S-H). These building blocks are the glue that binds sand and gravel together and the primary ingredient for concrete. The organization of these C-ˇS-ˇH grains drastically influences concrete’s mechanical performance. By better understanding which parameters influence this organization, we hope to create longer-lasting, more durable materials.
Subjects
Poromechanics
Cement
C-S-H
Persistent DSpace Link
