Free water effect on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar

This paper investigates the effect of free water on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar. Total-dried and full-saturated specimens are prepared through oven drying and water soaking processes. Common and high-porosity mortars are studied to examine the influence of porosity. Compression tests are carried out, covering strain rates between 1 x 10(-6)/s and 280/s. The test results show both dry and saturated mortar specimens are strain-rate sensitive. Free water results in softening effect in both common and high-porosity mortars at quasistatic and dynamic states. Retarding effect by pore water in the mortar is observed, which leads to lower longitudinal wave velocities in the saturated specimens. Water saturation increases the hydrostatic-pressure and leads to more severe water bursting; consequentially reduces the compressive strength. The experimental results demonstrate the free water deteriorates the compressive properties of mortars as a result of hydric expansion, which induces new cracks, especially in the high-porosity mortar.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effect of free water on the dynamic compressive properties of mortar. The results show that free water deteriorates the compressive properties of mortars, especially in high-porosity mortars, due to the formation of new cracks caused by hydric expansion.