An Integrated System to Predict Early-Age Properties and Durability Performance of Concrete Structures

Abstract

In this paper, an integrated system is proposed which can evaluate both the early-age properties and durability performance of concrete structures. This integrated system starts with a hydration model which considers both Portland cement hydration and chemical reactions of supplementary cementing materials (SCM). Based on the degree of hydration of cement and mineral admixtures, the amount of reaction products, the early age heat evolution, chemically bound water, porosity, the early age short-term mechanical behaviors, shrinkage and early-age creep are evaluated as a function of curing age and curing conditions. Furthermore, the durability aspect, such as carbonation of blended concrete and chloride attack, are evaluated considering both the material properties and surrounding environments. The prediction results are verified through experimental results.