Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5437087 Cement and Concrete Research 2017 10 Pages PDF
Abstract
In this study, the influence of pore structure on the extent of calcium nitrate salt crystallization damage on mortar samples was examined. The pore volume and structure was altered by varying water-to-binder ratio and by adding nanoparticles. The results show that calcium nitrate salt exposure induces cracking in mortar samples and that more damage was observed at higher water-to-binder ratio and higher rate of nanoparticle use. It is proposed that the refined pore structure induced by nanoparticle use can result higher salt crystallizing pressure. Thus, cementitious structures that are expected to be exposed to salt crystallization should be designed to meet strength needs by lowering water-to-binder ratio < 0.40. When using nanoparticles of the type examined here, limiting their use to rates of < 5% by mass of cement and use of water-to-binder ratio < 0.40 appears to be prudent.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Engineering Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
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