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Evaluation of self-healing in concrete by means of analytical techniques
Aspiotis, K. ; Sotiriadis, Konstantinos ; Kumpová, Ivana ; Mácová, Petra ; Badogiannis, E. ; Tsivilis, S.
In the present work, the self-healing process in concrete was evaluated using analytical techniques. For this purpose, two concrete mixes of different composition (one used as reference) were prepared with a W/B of 0.45. The self-healing process was triggered by the introduction in the concrete mix of a commercial expansive admixture (calcium sulfo-aluminate), two dicarboxylic acids, and sodium carbonate salt. After 28 days curing in water, the specimens were artificially cracked (crack width ≈ 400 μm) and then again water-cured for 40 days until self-healing occurred. The progress of self-healing was investigated with a stereo-microscope at 40, 50 and 60 days. The efficiency of the process was evaluated using micro-Raman spectroscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography (XmCT). Significant reduction in the crack width was observed as a result of filling the crack with calcite generated during the self-healing process. In some cases, the crack was completely healed. The experimental methodology used provided new insights into the evolution of the self-healing phenomenon in concrete.
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Fracture Parameters of AAAS composites with ceramic precursor
Šimonová, H. ; Rozsypalová, I. ; Kumpová, Ivana ; Trčka, T. ; Frantík, P. ; Rovnaníková, P. ; Keršner, Z.
The paper deals with alkali-activated aluminosilicate composites based on ceramic precursors with respect to their characterization by fracture-mechanical parameters. Three composites made of brick dust as a precursor and alkaline activator with silicate modulus Ms = 1.0, 1.2 and 1.4 were investigated. After 28 days of maturation, specimens with nominal dimensions of 40 × 40 × 160 mm were provided by an initial notch to 1/3 of the body height in the middle of the span. At least 6 samples were tested from each composite. Specimens were subjected to three-point bending tests during which force vs. deflection at midspan (F–d) and force vs. crack mouth opening displacement (F–CMOD) diagrams were recorded. By processing these diagrams, the values of the static modulus of elasticity, the effective fracture toughness (including its initiating component) and the specific fracture energy were determined using the effective crack model, Work-of-Fracture method, and Double-K fracture model. After the fracture experiments had been performed, compressive strength values were determined for informational purposes from one part of each specimen that remained after testing. All evaluations included the determination of arithmetic means and standard deviations. To obtain information about the internal structure of composites before and after mechanical testing, the selected body was examined by micro-tomography. Tomographic measurements and image processing were performed for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of internal structure changes with an emphasis on the calculation of porosimetric parameters as well as visualization of the fracture process zone. The fractal dimension of fracture objects was determined.
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Quantification of microstructural changes in limestone cement paste stored in sulfate environment at low temperature
Sotiriadis, Konstantinos ; Hlobil, Michal ; Machová, Dita ; Mácová, Petra ; Viani, Alberto ; Vopálenský, Michal
Samples of cement paste based on mixed cement with limestone admixture were stored in a magnesium sulfate solution for 6 months at 5 ° C to monitor the development of sulfate corrosion and its effect on microstructure. The extent of corrosion was evaluated by several different techniques. The paste samples were scanned at monthly intervals by X-ray tomography for non-destructive quantification of the pore structure and extent of damage, along with a description of the phase changes in the microstructure using X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. Compressive strength testing confirmed the effect of corrosion on the mechanical resistance of the samples. The results show a rapid course of degradation propagating in an irregular band, caused primarily by the formation of expandable sulfur-based corrosion products, the consequent crack formation and loss of internal cohesion of the material. The occurrence of both ettringite and thaumasite and gypsum was confirmed in the damaged parts.
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