Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory: Version 9.5 User Guide

Published

May 29, 2014

Author(s)

Jeffrey W. Bullard

Abstract

This document serves as the user’s guide for the Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory (VCCTL) software, version 9.5. Using the VCCTL software, a user may create 3D microstructures of cement paste made with clinker, calcium sulfate, fly ash, slag, limestone, and other materials. Hydration of these microstructures can be simulated under a variety of curing conditions, and the resulting hardened material can be analyzed for a number of properties including linear elastic moduli, compressive strength, and relative diffusion coefficients. A 3D packing of fine and coarse aggregates in mortar and concrete materials also can be created. The VCCTL software uses a relational database and plotting capabilities to facilitate viewing important characteristics of cement powders, supplementary cementitious materials, fillers, and aggregates.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1173

Report Number

1173

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1173

Keywords

building technology, cement hydration, computer modeling, concrete testing, microstructure, simulation, virtual laboratory

Citation

Bullard, J. (2014), Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory: Version 9.5 User Guide, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1173 (Accessed May 11, 2026)

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