X-Ray computed tomography and traditional analysis of a capillary absorption test in cement pastes. (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrade, Carmen; Saucedo, Luis; Rebolledo, Nuria; Cabeza, Sandra; Meinel, Dietmar
• Is Part Of: Cement & concrete composites. Volume 113(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Capillary absorption -- Pore size distribution -- X-ray CT -- Gravimetry -- MIP; Composite-reinforced concrete -- Periodicals; Concrete -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; Composites de ciment -- Périodiques; Béton -- Périodiques; Composites -- Périodiques; Béton léger -- Périodiques; Cement composites; Composite materials; Composite-reinforced concrete; Concrete; Lightweight concrete; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 620.135
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103634
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0958-9465

Abstract

Abstract: Water absorption testing has the attraction of being simple, relatively quick and use water as a fluid which is the key substance in the possible concrete deterioration. However, in spite of the advantages its application has remained empirical, except for the testing of resistance to frost, through the identification of the critical degree of saturation. Rilem TC-116 studied this test, among others, for the characterization of concrete resistance against transport through the concrete pore network. Results indicated a low discriminating ability of the absorbency for qualifying concrete resistance and then, it seemed necessary to try to move forward by making the link between the absorption testing and the concrete pore microstructure. In the present work, thanks to the X-Ray computed tomography, it is described the evolution of the water front in three paste-specimen with different w/c ratios (different pore radius distributions). The observations allowed us to deduce that all the pores start to fill simultaneously, but the bigger ones fill quicker and rise less. The saturation degree is measured along the height of the sample, showing that each pore size has a different rate which becomes constant after the first hour. Washburn's equation was applied to the progressive advance of the water front, resulting in a pore radius much smaller than the one expected.