Predictive modelling of hydration and mechanical performance of low Ca composite cements: Possibilities and limitations from industrial perspective

Elastic properties and strength of mortars are influenced by the metakaolin additions in an opposite trend. It indicates that they are sensitive to different microstructural features/mechanisms. Continuum micromechanic-based model is capable to accurately predict the performance evolution based on the volume of hydrates predicted by the thermodynamic modelling. An additional step required for the accurate prediction - porosity is partitioned based on its saturation at 95% RH - is introduced and substantiated.