The Colloid/Nanogranular Nature of Cement Paste and Properties

Abstract

Abstract. The importance of microstructure in materials science rests in its ability to establish links between processing and properties. Many properties of concrete are governed by structure at the nano-scale, notably by the variable and difficult to study calcium silicate hydrate. A basis for recent progress has come from viewing the nanostructure as a colloid or granular material (referred to here as C-G), with certain properties assigned to the grains and other properties assigned to reasonably well defined packing arrangements of the grains. This approach taps into both colloid science and granular mechanics. This approach is rich both conceptually and quantitatively. This paper describes recent progress using the C-G approach to understand drying shrinkage and creep, with a view towards further reconciling a vast literature, and improving quantitative relationships between structure and properties.

Min‐max fuzzy goal programming ‐ Taguchi model for multiple additives optimization in expansive soil improvement

“…In the presence of the silica‐rich QD, portlandite reacts to form calcium silicate hydrate (C‐S‐H) gels, which could be tobermorite or jennite‐like structures depending on the Ca/Si ratio 82 . The C‐S‐H gels have fundamental units, which are packed into structures known as globules, which flocculate to form either high or low density C‐S‐H 83–85 . These microstructures helped to seal the pores in the soil composite, to prevent further ingress of moisture and also imparted higher compressive strength to the soil after 28 days of curing.…”