Strength Development Mechanism of Portland Cement Paste

Abstract

In this paper, the influence of curing time and water-cement ratio on hardened cement paste is approached by both experimental and analytical method. Compressive strength and pore size distribution of hardened cement paste with various water-cement ratios and curing time is measured. The model for strength development based on the assumption that strength is related to contact area between a hardened cement particle and adjoining one. The model for the influence of water-cement ratio is based on the assumption that is related to an increase of apparent cement volume caused by aggregation of fine cement particles. The analytical results of strength development and pore structure of hardened cement paste obtained agreed well with experimental results.