CONCRETE STRENGTH - ALL SPIKES AND NEEDLES

The article discusses the structure of cement paste in a concrete mix in the light of recent research and offers the Author's own interpretation of recent stereoscan and other microscopic pictures. These pictures reveal the presence of interlocking needles, spikes and plates. From these pictures the particle shapes of the crystals forming the hydration products of cement have been worked out. Also discussed are the findings of a group of engineers concerning the structures that form in the cement paste when it is introduced into a bentonite slurry, as in the ICOS method of forming walls in trench. It has been found that suspension in the slurry promotes the formation of interlocking crystal structures. Clay particles from the sides of the trench also have an effect, by maintaining the aggregate in suspension long enough to allow better crystal formation. Evidence is given that suggests that free water in the paste is advantageous. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Morgan-Grampian Limited

  30 Calderwood Street
  London SE18 6QH,   England 
• Authors:
  • Braun, W M
• Publication Date: 1973-10

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: p. 871-872
• Serial:
  • Civil Eng & Public Works Review /UK/
  • Volume: 68
  • Issue Number: 807

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Admixtures; Cement paste; Concrete; Grout; Hydration; Particles; Support piles
• Old TRIS Terms: Concrete piles
• ITRD Terms: 4758: Cement; 4767: Cement paste; 4755: Concrete; 4023: Crystal; 4729: Grout; 7195: Hydration; 4511: Particle; 9073: Shape
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00082781
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 30 1975 12:00AM