Title: Shrinkage Behavior of Very Dense Cement Pastes

Author(s): J. Kaufmann and T. Matschei

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 212

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 853-870

Keywords: cement paste; curing; fibers; shrinkage; ultrafine cement

DOI: 10.14359/12726

Date: 6/1/2003

Abstract:
Shrinkage is one of the most important parameters regarding durability and strength of concrete and cement-based building materials. Length changes may introduce cracks that may serve as path ways for gas (CO2, SO2, NOx, 02) and aggressive water (sulphate, chloride) penetration and hence influence the future of a building structure significantly. Material composition (mixture proportioning) and curing conditions, especially early-age curing, govern the length change behavior of a material. Very dense, low w/c-ratio binder systems were investigated. Early age shrinkage, starting immediately after the end of mixing process, and the shrinkage/swelling of hardened cement pastes were measured. The effect of curing conditions, binder composition (limestone filler, ultrafine cement, fly ash) and the addition of short fibers was studied. Their influence on the mechanical properties was determined. Crack formation was analysed by microscopy (ESEM).