Numerical simulation of heat and mass transport during hydration of Portland cement mortar in semi-adiabatic and steam curing conditions

E. Hernandez-Bautista, D. P. Bentz, S. Sandoval-Torres, P. F.J. De Cano-Barrita

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

A model that describes hydration and heat-mass transport in Portland cement mortar during steam curing was developed. The hydration reactions are described by a maturity function that uses the equivalent age concept, coupled to a heat and mass balance. The thermal conductivity and specific heat of mortar with water-to-cement mass ratio of 0.30 was measured during hydration, using the Transient Plane Source method. The parameters for the maturity equation and the activation energy were obtained by isothermal calorimetry at 23 °C and 38 °C. Steam curing and semi-adiabatic experiments were carried out to obtain the temperature evolution and moisture profiles were assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Three specimen geometries were simulated and the results were compared with experimental data. Comparisons of temperature had maximum residuals of 2.5 °C and 5 °C for semi-adiabatic and steam curing conditions, respectively. The model correctly predicts the evaporable water distribution obtained by magnetic resonance imaging.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)38-48
Number of pages11
JournalCement and Concrete Composites
Volume69
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 May 2016

Keywords

  • Accelerated curing
  • Cement-based materials
  • Exothermic reaction
  • Isothermal calorimetry
  • Moisture distribution
  • Nuclear magnetic resonance

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Numerical simulation of heat and mass transport during hydration of Portland cement mortar in semi-adiabatic and steam curing conditions'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this