Early-age behavior of materials with a cement matrix

Abstract: Materials with a cement matrix classically present early-age volume variations (shrinkage and/or swelling). This intrinsic early-age behavior strongly influences the length of time the buildings and structures will last because of the micro-cracking and cracking that results from it. One explanation for the macroscopic shrinkage is the presence of pore pressure in the porous medium. In this study, fine modeling of the coupling mechanism behind these internal strains is proposed. The chemical reaction associated with hydration is considered as the main force behind the hydric and mechanical evolutions in an endogenous configuration. Thus, the influence of chemical contraction, porosity, pore-size distribution and pore pressure are central to the study in the light of the numerical and experimental results obtained. A self-leveling layer of mortar of sulfo-aluminous concrete base was used. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]