Core project 8: Lund, IFSTTAR, CSIC, IC, DTU, EMPA

Title

Non-saturated transport properties of cementitious materials

Authors

Consejo Superior Investigaciones Científicas, ES
Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt, CH
Technical University of Denmark, DK
Lund University, SE
Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, UK
Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées, FR

Start date

October 2009

Objectives

The objectives here are the study of moisture transport properties, and their relation to the pore structure of cementitious materials, and of the moisture effects on other transport processes (and in particular on transport properties). No generally accepted method is available for measuring ion transport properties in non-saturated conditions. Methods of assessment (utilizing the full resources of NanoCem) at different moisture levels will be developed and applied on specimens whose micro- and nano-structure is well documented.

Scientific need / Link to Nanocem goals:
The moisture conditions of a concrete have a decisive effect on several properties and many parts of deterioration processes. The moisture distribution in a concrete structure is determined by the concrete composition, curing and the microclimate in the different parts of the structure. A prediction requires access to data on the time-dependency of the binder reactions, moisture fixation and moisture flow, ambient temperature and humidity and computer software for more complicated cases. Applications in non-saturated concrete for ion transport, coupled ion/moisture transport and for gas transport, including carbonation, require knowledge on the effect of moisture on various other transport processes.