New insights into the role of space on the microstructure and the development of strength of multicomponent cements

The hydration, porosity, and compressive strength of cements at varying water/cement and limestone/cement ratios were investigated. Thanks to the broad range of the effective water/cement studied, new insights into the nature of the C-S-H phase and the basic mechanisms behind the formation of mechanical performance were gained. The mechanical properties of the main hydrated phase, the C-S-H, are governed by the available space. It was shown that the space available modifies the C-S-H microstructure, which in turn is reflected in the pore volume and porosity distribution. In high-porosity environments, a C-S-H with the higher amount of gel pores forms and efficiently fills the porosity. Contrarily, in low-porosity environments, the coarse microstructure forms. Furthermore, the available space has impact on the clinker reaction and chemical composition of the C-S-H. It was demonstrated that the available space alone is responsible for a part of the microstructure modifications ascribed to the pozzolanic and semi-hydraulic reactions.

Automated summary

The study investigated the hydration, porosity, and compressive strength of cements at varying water/cement and limestone/cement ratios. It was found that the available space influences the microstructure of the C-S-H phase and its mechanical properties.