Properties of the Interfacial Transition Zone in Model Concrete

Abstract

The interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between aggregates and cement paste in cementitious materials is a crucial element in mechanical and transport systems. Computer simulation by the SPACE system is used to approach this problem in the present paper. For the particle-packing phenomenon in the fresh state of concrete, the SPACE system relies on a dynamic generation algorithm, reflecting the production conditions of concrete. Hence, structure of the model cement has been proven more realistic than can be achieved by random generator-based system. A natural phenomenon in the ITZ around aggregate particles is size segregation leading to different gradients in porosity, particle size and surface area. Size segregation implies the difference size fractions in the binder mixture to have peak values in their densities on different distances from the aggregate surface. Structural evolution of the ITZ is stereologically quantified with the help of composition and configuration parameters in the fresh and hardened states of concrete. The addition of mineral admixtures is a successful approach to improving the ITZ microstructure. Experiments demonstrated the blending efficiency to be higher for coarser grained Portland cement (PC), due to the positive effect exerted by gap grading, i.e. by having distinctly different size ranges of particles. This is confirmed by computer simulation of the ITZ microstructure in model concretes made with blended cements. In addition, it is very important in concrete production to achieve good workability conditions to ensure sufficient dispersion of the fine rice husk ash (RHA) particles and proper migration of them into the ITZ through the structure network of large cement particles.