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Micromechanical properties of cementitious composites

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Abstract

Micromechanical properties of cement matrices in cementitious composites were investigated by means of the microindentation method. The research focused on the correlation between micromechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity and creep, and distance of the indentation from the aggregate-matrix interface. Composites based on ordinary Portland cement (OPC) matrix were examined after exposure to two types of ageing procedures. The sub-micron accuracy of the positioning system of the microindentation apparatus provided means for a meaningful investigation of cement matrix in close vicinity to the aggregate-matrix interface. For the purpose of statistical analyses, the data were divided into two groups with respect to the distance of the indent from the aggregatematrix interface. While the tests performed within a 30 μm distance from the interface were classified as indents within the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), indents outside this distance were considered to describe properties of the ‘bulk matrix’. The results provide quantitative comparison of the microstructural properties of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) with those of the bulk cement matrix assessed by well understood characteristics such as elastic modulus and creep. It was shown that, for unaged specimens, the elastic modulus measured within the interfacial transition zone was about 25% lower than that of the bulk matrix. Such results have significant consequences for improvement in modelling of cementitious composites.

Résumé

La méthode de la micro-dureté a été utilisée pour déterminer les propriétés micro-mécaniques des matrices de composites à base de ciment. Cette recherche a consisté à déterminer la corrélation entre les propriétés micro-mécaniques telles que le module élastique et le fluage ainsi que la distance de l'échancrure de l'interface granulat-matrice. Les composites à base de ciment Portland ont été examinés après l'exposition à 2 types de vieillissement. La micro-précision du système de positionnement de l'appareil de micro-dureté a permis une évaluation précise de la matrice de ciment au voisinage de l'interface granulat-matrice. Pour l'analyse statistique, les données ont été divisées en deux groupes, vis-à-vis de la distance entre l'entaille et l'interface granulat-matrice. Les résultats obtenus pour une épaisseur de 30 μm de l'interface ont été classifiés comme la zone de transition de l'interface, au-delà de cette distance, ils ont été considérés pour la caractérisation des propriétés de la matrice principale. Ces résultats permettent une comparaison quantitative des propriétés microstructurales de la zone de transition de l'interface avec la matrice de ciment, afin de permettre l'évaluation d'autres caractéristiques comme le module élastique et le fluage. Il a été montré que pour certains échantillons qui n'ont pas subi un vieillissement accéléré, le module élastique mesuré dans la zone de transition de l'interface est 25% plus petit que celui de la matrice. Ces résultats ont des conséquences significatives pour modéliser les composites à base de ciment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Advanced Concrete and Masonry Centre, University of Paisley, High St, PA1 2BE, Paisley, UK

    P. Trtik & P. J. M. Bartos

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  1. P. Trtik
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  2. P. J. M. Bartos
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Editorial Note Prof. P. J. M. Bartos is a Senior Member and the Chaiman of the RILEM 145-WSM: Workability of special concrete mixes. He is also a member of RILEM TC 162-TDF: Test and design methods for steel fibre reinforced concrete and RILEM TC 174-SCC: Self-compacting concrete.

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Trtik, P., Bartos, P.J.M. Micromechanical properties of cementitious composites. Mat. Struct. 32, 388–393 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02479632

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