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Digital simulation of the aggregate–cement paste interfacial zone in concrete

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 January 2011

Edward J. Garboczi  and
Dale P. Bentz
Edward J. Garboczi
Affiliation:
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building Materials Division, 226/B348, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
Dale P. Bentz
Affiliation:
National Institute of Standards and Technology, Building Materials Division, 226/B348, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899
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Abstract

Researchers using backscattered scanning electron microscopy, along with quantitative image analysis techniques, have clearly demonstrated the existence of a highly porous interfacial region between aggregate particles and the cement paste matrix in ordinary Portland cement concrete. This paper presents the results of a digital-image-based simulation model of this interfacial zone. A dissolution-diffusion-reaction-like cycle of hydrating cement particles is directly simulated using cement particles packed around a simple nonreactive aggregate particle. The model is two-dimensional, as we are comparing to experimental results obtained on two-dimensional images of polished sections. The qualitative features seen experimentally, such as large amounts of porosity and calcium hydroxide in the interfacial zone, are accurately reproduced. A new mechanism, one-sided growth, is proposed, along with the more usual particle-packing ideas, as an explanation of the origin of the characteristic features of the interfacial zone.

Type
Articles
Information
Journal of Materials Research , Volume 6 , Issue 1 , January 1991 , pp. 196 - 201
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1991

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