Modelling compressive behaviour of cement paste with superabsorbent polymer

Modelling compressive behaviour of cement paste with superabsorbent polymer

Zhao, Shengying (Harbin Institute of Technology, China)
Guan, Xinchun (Harbin Institute of Technology, China)
Qiao, Guofu (Harbin Institute of Technology, China)

2021-04-29

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) can modify the microstructure and influence the mechanical properties of cement paste in at least two ways: while cavities left by SAP increase the total porosity, water released by SAP affects the hydration degree of the surrounding paste. As a starting point for investigation into the overall effect, this study presents a numerical model comprised of spherical voids, affected zones, and the unaffected matrix. In comparison, a binary model consisting only of the voids and the unaffected matrix is built up. Compressive loads are applied to both paste models. The results show that in either model a considerable negative normal stress (compressive) is typical in the middle part of SAP pore walls. The void-surrounding area subject to positive normal stress seems to be larger in the SAP-containing paste than in the other one. Nevertheless, there is a 10% reduction in maximum principal stress caused by the tougher affected zone.

mechanical behaviour
cement paste
superabsorbent polymers
numerical modelling

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:6107f767-0ecd-48dd-a4e7-ad45a7851deb

Conference proceedings

conference paper

(c) 2021 the authors