SOLIDIFICATION OF PORTLAND CEMENT

Solidification of materials is introduced, and the constitution and hydration of portland cement is reviewed. Microstructural zones are introduced in the cement system: A "columnar" zone of hydration products on solid surfaces and "equiaxed" products which form within the originally water-filled space. The microstructure of hydrated Beta-dicalcium silicate is shown in scanning electron micrographs of fracture surfaces of neat pastes at 60, 100, 171, and 384 days age. Similar micrographs for tricalcium silicate pastes and commercial portland cement pastes are shown and discussed. The hardening of portland cement is discussed as a solidification process. The potential flaws and stress concentrators within the cement paste are identified and their effect on mechanical properties is discussed.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Sponsored by Office of Naval Research.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of California, Berkeley

  Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Davis Hall
  Berkeley, CA  United States  94720-1710
• Authors:
  • Williamson, R B
• Publication Date: 1970-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 109 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Concrete curing; Portland cement
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00032239
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Office of Naval Research
• Report/Paper Numbers: NR-023 522 Tech Rpt
• Contract Numbers: N00014-69A-0200-1007
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 28 1972 12:00AM