Title: Behavior of Portland Cement Mortar in Flexure at Early Ages

Author(s): EH. Fouad and H.L. Furr

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 95

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 93-114

Keywords: age; flexural strength; flexural tests; load-deflection curve; modulus of elasticity; mortars (material); setting -- (hardening); strains

DOI: 10.14359/6274

Date: 10/1/1986

Abstract:
This paper describes an experimental investigation that was conducted to study the behavior of mortar in flexure between three and eleven hours after mixing. A total of 32 flexural tests were performed using a test apparatus that permitted specimens to be handled before final set of the mortar. The specimens consisted of mortar beams 6-inches wide x 2-inches thick x 19-inches long, which were cast and tested in flexible molds, and cured at a controlled room temperature. The tests were conducted at ages of 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 hours, age being reckoned from the time mixing was completed. The test specimen was loaded at the middle and rested at its ends on roller supports to simulate the action of a simple beam. Load versus mid-span deflection curves were automatically recorded and then ana 1 ysed. The tolerable curvature at first cracking, the modulus of elasticity, and the flexural strength of the material at early ages were determined. The test results are summarized and presented in various forms to provide information on the behavior of mortar at early ages.