Development of a computational model for predicting the cement paste composition during the setting process

Abstract

Abstract
In this paper, a computational model for predicting the cement paste composition during the first part of the setting process is presented. The developed model integrates the main theoretical concepts and experimental models dealing with the hydration process and the evaporation of the free water at the surface of structural elements with high area/thick ratios, which are particularly important in those structures built in hot weather conditions. Additionally, by determining the cracking vulnerability due to plastic shrinkage in hot weather conditions in concrete structures with particular geometrical characteristics (high area/thick ratios), the developed model assists to civil engineers, architects and constructors in the control process for preventing the crack formation which affects the structures appearance and many times decreases the concrete durability.