Sirotiak, Todd | Search NASA

DOE OSTI2021

Effects of Cement Changes and Aggregate System on Mechanical Properties of Concrete

In this paper, mechanical properties of concrete mixtures containing different cementitious combinations and two aggregate systems were investigated under plastic and drying conditions. Emphasis was laid on durability and shrinkage of concrete. Life Cycle Analysis was also conducted by using Green Concrete LCA Webtool. Results indicated that the presence of larger aggregate sizes tend to enhance durability of concrete. The presence of nanosilica also imparted superior mechanical properties to concrete. A cementitious combination containing Portland Limestone Cement and fly ash with larger aggregate sizes emerged as a better performing mixture in terms of mechanical properties and with minimum environmental impact.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2020

Characterization of paste microstructure for durability properties of concrete

In this study, paste samples from different cementitious systems were characterized by using X-Ray Micro Computed Tomography (µ-CT) and Fluorescence Microscopy techniques. Quantitative and qualitative aspects of defects from paste samples were investigated to develop indicators of durability related properties of corresponding concrete samples. In the first phase of this study, hour glass shaped 3D printed molds were used to investigate five cementitious combinations consisting of three cement types (Coarse Ground portland cement, Type IL Portland Limestone Cement and Type I/II ordinary portland cement) and fly ash as a supplementary cementitious material. In the second phase, metal molds were used to compare the results of Coarse Ground portland cement with Type I ordinary portland cement, 5% of which was replaced with colloidal nanosilica. Potential correlations between paste and concrete have been presented. This work was supported by US Department of Energy and North Dakota Department of Commerce.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗