Prediction of the elastic modulus of cement matrix with a microstructural model and finite element method

The methodology of modeling of the cement matrix deformability is considered in the article. The relevance of development and prospective application of methods for controlling the modulus of cement elasticity, which can be the basis for creation of cement composites with pre-defined deformative properties, was established. The aim of the work is to create an effective microstructural model of cement matrix deformability and on its basis - a computational finite element model of elastic modulus using the parameters of the developed structural model. For this purpose, test methods for determining the modulus of elasticity, as well as the results of the experimental study of compressive deformations of cement under loads and the previous experience of structural modeling of the cement matrix were analyzed. As a result, a microstructural spherulitic lattice model of cement deformations is proposed, in which the basic microstructural element, the hydrated cement particle, has a multilayer structure that determines the elastic and plastic properties of the cement matrix. The capillary and pore volume of the structure, which determines the deformability, is also represented in the form of fixed microstructural elements. Taking into account the structure of the basic microstructural element, a computational finite-element model of the hinge-rod framework imitating the hydrate structure of cement has been proposed and successfully tested. The prospects for the development of the obtained models and their application in predicting and controlling the elastic properties of cement matrix have been determined.

Author: A.S. Korolev, A.A. Zadorin, M.V. Mishnev

Section: Science and production

Keywords: hardened cement paste, modulus of elasticity, supramolecular model, finite element model