Micromechanics-Based Prediction of the Elastic Properties of Polymer-Modified Cementitious Materials

Abstract

Areas of application of polymer-modified concrete (PCC) have been extended during the last few decades as the polymer modification can improve the durability, the workability, and the adhesive strength of cementitious materials. The use of PCC in construction purposes requires advanced modeling techniques for the adequate prediction of the mechanical behavior which partially differs from standard concrete. In PCC, cementitious and polymer constituents together form the binder matrix. Multiscale models which take into account microstructural specifics represent appropriate tools for the prediction of the elasticity of PCC. In this study, a semi-analytical multiscale model based on the principles of continuum micromechanics is adapted. Micromechanical properties, which are used as model input parameters, were determined by means of the nanoindentation technique. The nanoindentation method was employed in order to characterize the polymers used to modify the cementitious materials. For validation purposes, an experimental multiscale study was carried out, aiming at the determination of the elastic moduli of polymer-modified cement pastes, mortars and concretes. It is shown that the elastic properties of PCC are reliably predicted using the micromechanical analysis; a good agreement between model results and experimental data is found.