The Flexural Strength and Fracture Toughness of a Normal and a High Strength Polymer Modified Portland Cement

Abstract

AbstractA model has been developed for the flexural strength of Portland cement pastes, based upon observed fracture behaviour of both normal and high strength pastes. Fibrillar or foil-like elements pull apart at a yield stress which is characteristic of the number of elements and interfacial shear strength. The former can be maximised by using a low water/cement ratio and the latter by inclusion of water-soluble polymer, followed by suitable drying. It is proposed that this is the mechanism by which high strength may be attained in Portland cement.