Prediction of Hydration Properties and Microstructure Development of Cement Mortar Using Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory

Abstract

Abstract Hydration of cement is a complex phenomenon involves a simultaneous interaction between various compounds at the microscopic level. The proper monitoring of the hydration process of cement provides a better understanding of the hydration mechanism of build concrete along with increased workability, durability, and strength. The experimental techniques adopted for determining hydration and mechanical properties of cement compounds can be modelled using computational modelling tools such as the Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory (VCCTL). This study mainly aims to predict the properties of ordinary Portland and pozzolanic cement mortar indigenous to India using VCCTL. The material data required as input parameters for creating virtual cement and fly ash are obtained from the previous studies. The calculated hydration and strength properties, such as heat of hydration, chemical shrinkage, degree of hydration, compressive strength and microstructure development of previous studies are validated using the VCCTL.