Microindentation Creep of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate and Secondary Hydrated Cement Systems

The nanostructure, physical properties and mechanical performance of C-S-H, 1.4 nm tobermorite, jennite, and ettringite were studied. C-S-H of variable stoichiometries was examined as a model system in comparison with that produced in the hydration of Portland cement. The current Master’s thesis is comprised of four research papers designed to improve the current understanding of the nanostructure and engineering properties of C-S-H systems and modified C-S-H systems. Many of the controversial issues in cement science were identified and were addressed in a comprehensive research study, which examined the key features of the C-S-H systems at the nano-structure level. In Chapter 4, each paper presented new evidence for a number of mechanical aspects of C-S-H materials. Numerous advanced analytical tools were used in order to verify the observations made in each section. The major achievements of the current work are mentioned briefly as follows: 1. It was determined that microindentation is a useful method for determining the creep behavior of C-S-H of various stoichiometries, 1.4 tobermorite, jennite, and ettringite. 2. Microindentation parameters i.e. creep modulus, indentation modulus and indentation hardness are porosity dependent. 3. Microindentation creep measurements on C-S-H (C/S = 0.80 and 1.20) demonstrated that creep modulus, indentation modulus, and indentation hardness are all dependent on mass-loss from the 11%RH condition. 4. Evidence was presented that the nanostructural role of interlayer water in C-S-H has a significant influence on the creep process