Elastic and Viscoelastic Properties of Calcium Silicate Hydrate

Published

May 15, 2012

Author(s)

Zachary Grasley, Jones Christopher, X Li, Edward Garboczi, Jeffrey W. Bullard

Abstract

In order to effectively predict the mechanical properties of concrete and other cementitious materials, it is useful to understand the properties and deformation mechanisms on the nano-metric length scale. Through a combined analytical, experimental, and numerical approach, insight has been gained into the nanoscale mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate. Using an atomic force microscope, elastic and viscoelastic properties of calcium silicate hy-drate were measured. In addition, a novel computational model was developed to predict the evolution of apparent viscoelastic properties of hydrating cement paste. The results of the experiments and modeling suggest that inherent viscoelastic deformation of calcium silicate hydrate is not necessarily the sole (or primary) source of viscoelastic deformation of cementi-tious materials. Time-dependent dissolution of load bearing phases is suggested as an addi-tional, significant mechanism for the apparent viscoelasticity of cementitious materials.

Conference Dates

May 20-23, 2012

Conference Location

Crete, GR

Conference Title

NICOM 4 4th International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction

Pub Type

Conferences

Download Paper

Local Download

Keywords

C-S-H, Viscoelasticity, Computational, FEM, finite element, calcium silicate hydrate, cement paste

Citation

Grasley, Z. , Christopher, J. , Li, X. , Garboczi, E. and Bullard, J. (2012), Elastic and Viscoelastic Properties of Calcium Silicate Hydrate, NICOM 4 4th International Symposium on Nanotechnology in Construction, Crete, GR, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=910307 (Accessed October 10, 2025)