Mechanism of creep of hydrated portland cement paste

摘要

Understanding of the mechanism of creep requires direct measurement of the physical changes that occur in the micor- units of the solid and in the solid body itself as a result of change in exposure conditions. Results of rigidly controlled water sorption experiments are presented, giving measurements of change in length of specimen, weight, solid volume, and helium flow characteristics as a function of change in conditions of exposure. These are correlated with creep results in the literature. It is concluded that creep is a manifestation of the gradual crystallization or aging process of the layered material, resulting in further layering. Water movement, although occurring, is not a major mechanism. Other processess such as slippage and micro-cracking are also present.