Pulverised fuel ash (PFA) is a reactive silica source used in the manufacture of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). Experiments studied the hydrothermal reactions of PFA samples from two UK power stations with calcium hydroxide at 457 K, for periods up to 21 h. These conditions are comparable to those used in the manufacture of AAC. The process is characterised by the rapid consumption of ash particles. Associated with this is the solubilisation of large amounts of silica, alumina and alkalis. The formation of a semi-crystalline calcium silicate hydrate and a hydrogarnet phase occurs during the early stages of autoclaving. The hydrogarnet phase persists under the conditions studied, but conversion of the calcium silicate hydrate into tobermorite occurs with prolonged autoclaving. Differences in the hydrothermal performance of the two PFA samples are evident, which cannot be explained by the bulk elemental composition. Ash fractions obtained from a centrifugal air classifier have different reactivities during autoclaving and can result in specimens with different compressive strengths. Quantitative x-ray diffractometry showed that high levels of aluminosilicate glass are associated with the fine ash fractions, whereas most quartz, haematite and magnetite is associated with the coarse fractions. Significant differences exist in the mineralogical analyses of the two sets of ash fractions obtained from the bulk ash samples. The coarse ash fractions have the most varied morphology and composition.

The nature of the calcium-silicate-hydrate phase in hydrated Portland cement has been the subject of considerable debate for decades. Various nanostructural models have been proposed including those constructed from colloidal-based particulate systems and those formulated on the basis of layered calcium-silicate-hydrates. These are examined in detail in the literature review section of the thesis. Relatively recent composition-based models have been proposed by Taylor and Richardson-Groves. These models contain structural elements comprised of 1.4 nm tobermorite and jennite. Details are also provided in the literature review. There is however a paucity of data on the engineering properties of pure calcium-silicate-hydrate phases and virtually none on the mechanical performance of 1.4 nm tobermorite and jennite. The global objective of this thesis was to examine the compatibility of the composition-based models with the engineering behaviour of the pure tobermorite and jennite phases. Pure phases of a variety of layered calcium-silicate-hydrates were synthesized and novel techniques developed to determine their engineering characteristics in a variety of test environments. The silicate phases investigated included high temperature silicates e.g. gyrolite as these layered structures are known to be cross-linked. Investigation of the role of ‘structural’ water in layered silicates was also a part of these studies. The thesis is based on a series of twelve refereed journal papers by the candidate (eight are published or accepted and four have been submitted for publication). The research is reported in four parts with each part comprised of three papers. Each part provides insight into the nanostructure of C-S-H in hydrated cement. The arguments developed evolve from an assessment of various factors including aging and the state of water in the layered silicates. The first part of the thesis focuses on the development and application of dynamic mechanical thermo-analysis methods that are sensitive to phase changes and are useful for assessing the compatibility of engineering behaviour with model composition based on 1.4 nm tobermorite and jennite. The second part represents a study of volume stability and mechanical property-porosity relationships for the pure silicate phases that are germane to these studies. The third part focuses on prolonged aging and role of structural water in cement paste hydrated for 45 years. The fourth and final part attempts to address the role of layer structure e.g. cross-linking of silicate sheets on engineering behaviour. The non-uniqueness of modulus of elasticity with respect to equilibrium moisture content is demonstrated. Structurally related irreversible effects that are dependent on drying history are rationalized. A summary chapter is provided wherein the evidence for a composition-based model with tobermorite and jennite structural units is rationalized in terms of the experimental evidence provided in this study and suggestions for future research are discussed.

O silicato de cálcio hidratado (C-S-H) é o componente responsável pela resistência mecânica dos cimentos usados na construção civil. Neste trabalho foi caracterizada a evolução da reação de hidratação e as propriedades estruturais das fases resultantes da hidratação da escória de alto forno granulada (EAF). Este tipo de cimento é um potencial candidato para substituir os materiais convencionais, apresentando vantagens relativas ao menor custo energético de produção e a redução do impacto ambiental. Devido à menor reatividade da EAF com água, é necessário a adição de substâncias ativadoras alcalinas de modo geral em baixa concentração. Neste trabalho foi caracterizado o efeito sobre a sua reatividade e as propriedades estruturais dos produtos da reação (C-S-H e aluminatos de cálcio hidratados) de quatro tipos de misturas ativadoras contendo hidróxido de sódio, silicato de sódio e/ou hidróxido de cálcio (CH). As quantidades alcalinas resultantes das misturas usadas nas pastas foram: 5%Na2O, 5% Na2O-2,5%CH, 5% Na2O -7,5%SiO2 e 5% Na2O -2,5%CH- 7,5% SiO2. A técnica experimental utilizada foi a Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) de alta resolução no estado sólido de 29Si, 27Al e 23Na. Os resultados indicaram diferenças na cinética da reação no estágio tardio (tempos na faixa de 3 dias até 120 dias), na quantidade e nas características estruturais das fases aluminatos de cálcio e do C-S-H, dependentes da presença de SiO2 na mistura ativadora. A inclusão de Ca(OH)2 tem efeitos de magnitude consideravelmente menor sobre estes parâmetros. Foi observada uma correspondência excelente entre as diferenças estruturais observadas por RMN e o comportamento da resistência mecânica do material. / Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) is the component responsible for mechanical resistance of cementitious materials. In this work, a characterization of the evolution of the hydration reaction in granulated blast-furnace slag (bfs) is presented. Also, the structural properties of the reaction products is studied as a function of time, during the late period of the process. This kind of cement is a potential material to replace the conventional Portland in several applications, having several relative advantages regarding to energetic cost and impact on the environment. To overcome the less hydraulic reactivity of gbs respect to Portland, it is generally necessary the addition of small amount of alkaline compounds, called activators, to improve the speed and extension of the reaction. The behavior of four different activator mixtures containing sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and/or calcium hydroxide (CH) were considered, at fixed amount alkali 5% Na2O, 5% Na2O -2,5% Ca(OH)2, 5% Na2O -7,5% SiO2 and Na2O -2,5% Ca(OH)2- 7,5% SiO2. The hydration kinetics and structural properties of the hydration products, C-S-H and calcium aluminate hydrates, were probed by means of solid-state high resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of 29Si, 27Al and 23Na nuclei. Results showed differences in hydration evolution and structural properties depending strongly on the presence of SiO2 in the mixture. On the other hand, Ca(OH)2 produced only marginal effects on the reaction. An excellent correlation was observed between the structural differences and the mechanical response of the material as a function of the hydration time.

Organic matter is ubiquitous in the environment and exists in many different forms. Reactions involving organic matter are diverse and many have significant economic and environmental implications. In this research, calorimetric techniques were used to study organic- inorganic reactions in two different systems. The primary objectives were to elucidate potential mechanism(s) by which: (i) natural organic matter (NOM) influences strength development in lime-stabilized soils, and; (ii) plant-derived biochars reacts with cations in aqueous environments. Natural organic matter influenced strength development in lime-stabilized soils through the direct inhibition of the formation of pozzolanic reaction products. The degree of inhibition was dependent mainly on the type of pozzolanic reaction product, and the amount and source of organic matter. The formation of the pozzolanic reaction product, calcium silicate hydrate II (CSH2) was less affected by NOM, than was the formation of CSH1. For a given pozzolanic product, the inhibition increased with NOM content. The effect of organic matter source followed the order fulvic acid> humic acid&gt; lignite. Formation of CSH pozzolanic reaction products decreased by 50-100%, 20-80% and 20-40% in the presence of ?2% fulvic acid, humic acid and lignite, respectively. Cation interactions with plant-derived biochars were complex and depended both on the nature of the cation and biochar surface properties. Reactions involving the alkali cation, K+; occurred via electrostatic ion exchange, on deprotonated functional groups located on the biochar surface and; were exothermic with molar heats of reaction (?Hads) between -3 and -8 kJ mol-1. In contrast, reactions involving the transition metal cation, Cd2+ were endothermic with delta Hads between +10 and +30 kJ mol-1. Reaction mechanism(s) for Cd2+ varied from ion exchange/surface complexation in biochars formed at <350 oC, to an ion exchange/surface complexation/diffusion-controlled mechanism in biochars formed at >/=350 oC. For a given cation, differences in sorption characteristics were attributable to temperature-dependent or plant species dependent variations in the properties of the biochars.

O silicato de cálcio hidratado (C-S-H) é o componente responsável pela resistência mecânica dos cimentos usados na construção civil. Neste trabalho foi caracterizada a evolução da reação de hidratação e as propriedades estruturais das fases resultantes da hidratação da escória de alto forno granulada (EAF). Este tipo de cimento é um potencial candidato para substituir os materiais convencionais, apresentando vantagens relativas ao menor custo energético de produção e a redução do impacto ambiental. Devido à menor reatividade da EAF com água, é necessário a adição de substâncias ativadoras alcalinas de modo geral em baixa concentração. Neste trabalho foi caracterizado o efeito sobre a sua reatividade e as propriedades estruturais dos produtos da reação (C-S-H e aluminatos de cálcio hidratados) de quatro tipos de misturas ativadoras contendo hidróxido de sódio, silicato de sódio e/ou hidróxido de cálcio (CH). As quantidades alcalinas resultantes das misturas usadas nas pastas foram: 5%Na2O, 5% Na2O-2,5%CH, 5% Na2O -7,5%SiO2 e 5% Na2O -2,5%CH- 7,5% SiO2. A técnica experimental utilizada foi a Ressonância Magnética Nuclear (RMN) de alta resolução no estado sólido de 29Si, 27Al e 23Na. Os resultados indicaram diferenças na cinética da reação no estágio tardio (tempos na faixa de 3 dias até 120 dias), na quantidade e nas características estruturais das fases aluminatos de cálcio e do C-S-H, dependentes da presença de SiO2 na mistura ativadora. A inclusão de Ca(OH)2 tem efeitos de magnitude consideravelmente menor sobre estes parâmetros. Foi observada uma correspondência excelente entre as diferenças estruturais observadas por RMN e o comportamento da resistência mecânica do material. / Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) is the component responsible for mechanical resistance of cementitious materials. In this work, a characterization of the evolution of the hydration reaction in granulated blast-furnace slag (bfs) is presented. Also, the structural properties of the reaction products is studied as a function of time, during the late period of the process. This kind of cement is a potential material to replace the conventional Portland in several applications, having several relative advantages regarding to energetic cost and impact on the environment. To overcome the less hydraulic reactivity of gbs respect to Portland, it is generally necessary the addition of small amount of alkaline compounds, called activators, to improve the speed and extension of the reaction. The behavior of four different activator mixtures containing sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate and/or calcium hydroxide (CH) were considered, at fixed amount alkali 5% Na2O, 5% Na2O -2,5% Ca(OH)2, 5% Na2O -7,5% SiO2 and Na2O -2,5% Ca(OH)2- 7,5% SiO2. The hydration kinetics and structural properties of the hydration products, C-S-H and calcium aluminate hydrates, were probed by means of solid-state high resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of 29Si, 27Al and 23Na nuclei. Results showed differences in hydration evolution and structural properties depending strongly on the presence of SiO2 in the mixture. On the other hand, Ca(OH)2 produced only marginal effects on the reaction. An excellent correlation was observed between the structural differences and the mechanical response of the material as a function of the hydration time.

The nanostructure, physical properties and mechanical performance of C-S-H, 1.4 nm tobermorite, jennite, and ettringite were studied. C-S-H of variable stoichiometries was examined as a model system in comparison with that produced in the hydration of Portland cement. The current Master’s thesis is comprised of four research papers designed to improve the current understanding of the nanostructure and engineering properties of C-S-H systems and modified C-S-H systems. Many of the controversial issues in cement science were identified and were addressed in a comprehensive research study, which examined the key features of the C-S-H systems at the nano-structure level. In Chapter 4, each paper presented new evidence for a number of mechanical aspects of C-S-H materials. Numerous advanced analytical tools were used in order to verify the observations made in each section. The major achievements of the current work are mentioned briefly as follows: 1. It was determined that microindentation is a useful method for determining the creep behavior of C-S-H of various stoichiometries, 1.4 tobermorite, jennite, and ettringite. 2. Microindentation parameters i.e. creep modulus, indentation modulus and indentation hardness are porosity dependent. 3. Microindentation creep measurements on C-S-H (C/S = 0.80 and 1.20) demonstrated that creep modulus, indentation modulus, and indentation hardness are all dependent on mass-loss from the 11%RH condition. 4. Evidence was presented that the nanostructural role of interlayer water in C-S-H has a significant influence on the creep process.

Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wurden die Komplexierungsreaktionen von dreiwertigen Lanthaniden (Ln) und Actiniden (An) mit (α-hydroxy-)carboxylathaltigen Betonzuschlagmitteln in An- und Abwesenheit von Calciumsilikathydrat-Phasen untersucht. Die erzielten Ergebnisse erlauben eine umfassende Beschreibung der Wechselwirkungen auf thermodynamischer und molekularstruktureller Ebene.

Les matériaux cimentaires sont largement utilisés dans la conception et la construction des sites de stockage de déchets radioactifs. Une des manières d’améliorer leur performance est d’introduire des adjuvants organiques dans la structure. La présence de matière organique dans l’eau porale peut affecter la mobilité des radionucléides : les molécules organiques forment des complexes solubles et peuvent être en compétition avec les radionucléides au niveau des sites de sorption. Ce travail avait pour but de comprendre les mécanismes de telles interactions au niveau moléculaire. Le système modèle a trois composantes. D’abord, des phases C-S-H ont été choisies en tant que modèles du ciment.Ensuite, le gluconate est sélectionné en tant que modèle d’additif organique pour sonder les mécanismes d’interaction à l’échelle moléculaire. Un système plus complexe impliquant un superplastifiant (PCE) a été testé. La troisième espèce, U(VI), est représentative d’un radionucléide de la série des actinides. Le développement de la description des effets de postproduction des espèces organiques pour les applications de stockage des déchets radioactifs était l’objectif principal de ce travail. L’étude des systèmes binaires fournit des données de référence pour l’investigation de systèmes ternaires C-S-H/matière organique/U(VI) plus complexes. Des cinétiques et des isothermes de sorption/désorption pour les espèces sur les C-S-H sont mesurés. En parallèle, des modèles atomiques ont été développés pour les interfaces d’intérêt. Les aspects structuraux, énergétiques et dynamiques des processus de sorption sur les surfaces de ciment sont modélisés par la technique de la dynamique moléculaire. / Cementitious materials are extensively used in the design and construction of radioactive waste repositories. One of the ways to enhance their performance is to introduce organic admixtures into the cement structure. However, the presence of organics in the pore water may affect the radionuclide mobility: organic molecules can form water-soluble complexes and compete for sorption sites. This work was designed to get detailed understanding of the mechanisms of such interactions on the molecular level. The model system has three components. First, pure C-S-H phases with different Ca/Si ratios were chosen as a cement model. Secondly, gluconate (a simple well-described molecule) is selected as a good starting organic additive model to probe the interaction mechanisms on the molecular scale. A more complex system involving polycarboxylate superplasticizer (PCE) was also tested. The third, U (VI), is a representative of the actinide radionuclide series. The development of description of the effects of organics for radioactive waste disposal applications was the primary objective of this work. The study of binary systems provides reference data for the investigation of more complex ternary (C-S-H/organic/U(VI)). The interactions are studied by means of both experimental and computational molecular modelling techniques. Data on sorption and desorption kinetics and isotherms for additives and for U (VI) on C-S-H are acquired in this work. In parallel, atomistic models are developed for the interfaces of interest. Structural, energetic, and dynamic aspects of the sorption processes on surface of cement are quantitatively modeled by molecular dynamics technique.

Face à la finitude des ressources de la terre et de sa capacité d’absorption de la pollution, le développement d’écobétons pour un futur industrialisé durable représente un défi majeur de la science du béton moderne. En raison de sa nature hétérogène complexe, les propriétés macroscopiques du béton dépendent fortement des constituants de sa microstructure (ex. silicates de calcium hydratés [C–S–H], Portlandite, inclusions anhydres, porosité, agrégats, etc.). De plus, la nécessité d’une exploitation rapide et optimale des matériaux cimentaires émergents dans les applications industrielles demande de nos jours une meilleure compréhension de leurs particularités chimico-mécaniques à l’échelle micrométrique. Cette thèse vise à développer une méthode de pointe de couplage de la nanoindentation et de la spectroscopie quantitative aux rayons X à dispersion d'énergie (NI-QEDS), puis à fournir une caractérisation chimico-mécanique originale des phases microstructurales présentes dans les matrices réelles de ciments mélangés. La combinaison d’analyses NI-QEDS statistiques et déterministes a ainsi permis d’élargir la compréhension des systèmes avec ciment Portland et ajouts cimentaires (ACs) conventionnels ou alternatifs. Plus spécifiquement, l’étude des C–(A)–S–H (C–S–H incluant l’aluminium ou non) dans différents systèmes à base de ciments mélangés a montré des compositions différentes pour cet hydrate (variations dans les taux de Ca, Si, Al, S et Mg), mais ses propriétés mécaniques n’ont pas été significativement affectées par l’incorporation des ACs dans des dosages typiques. Les résultats présentés ont aussi démontré le rôle important des autres phases imbriquées dans la matrice de C–(A)–S–H, soit les inclusions anhydres dures (ex. le clinker et les ACs) et les autres hydrates tels que la Portlandite et les hydrates riches en aluminium (ex. les carboaluminates) avec des propriétés mécaniques plus élevées que celles des C–(A)–S–H. La thèse est basée sur cinq articles couvrant : (1) une analyse NI-EDS de systèmes incorporant des volumes élevés de pouzzolanes naturelles; (2) le développement de la méthode NI-QEDS; des analyses statistiques NI-QEDS (3) de systèmes avec cendres volantes et laitier, et (4) d’un système combinant ciment, calcaire et argile calcinée; et (5) une exploration déterministe NI-QEDS de systèmes conventionnels et alternatifs incorporant la poudre de verre, le métakaolin, le laitier ou la cendre volante. Finalement, en plus d’avancer les derniers modèles et méthodes micromécaniques, l’outil développé a fourni une perception chimico-mécanique originale des phases microstructurales et de leur arrangement. Le dévoilement de la signature chimico-mécanique de ces pâtes de ciments mélangés particulièrement complexes offre un savoir unique pour l’ingénierie des bétons de demain. / Abstract : Facing the limitedness of the earth’s resources and pollution absorption capacity, the development of eco-concrete for a sustainable industrialized future is one of the major challenges of modern concrete science. Due to its complex heterogeneous nature, the macro-scale properties of concrete strongly depend on the microstructure constituents (e.g., calcium-silicate-hydrates [C–S–H], Portlandite, anhydrous inclusions, porosity, aggregates, etc.). Moreover, the need for rapid and optimal exploitation of emerging binding materials in industrial applications urges today a better understanding of their chemo-mechanical features at the micrometer scale. This thesis aims at developing a state-of-the-art method coupling NanoIndentation and Quantitative Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (NI-QEDS), and providing an original chemo-mechanical characterization of the microstructure phases in highly heterogeneous matrices of real blended-cement pastes. The combination of statistical and deterministic NI-QEDS analysis approaches opened new research horizons in the understanding of Portland-cement systems incorporating conventional and alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). More specifically, the investigations of C–(A)–S–H (C–S–H including aluminum or not) in different blended-cement systems showed variable compositions for this hydrate (i.e., Ca, Si, Al, S and Mg contents), but the mechanical properties were not significantly affected by the incorporation of SCMs in typical dosages. The presented results also showed the important role of the other phases embedded in the C–(A)–S–H matrix, i.e., hard anhydrous inclusions (e.g., clinker and SCMs) and other hydrates such as Portlandite and Al-rich hydrates (e.g., carboaluminates) with mechanical properties higher than those of the C–(A)–S–H. The thesis is based on five articles focusing on: (1) the NI-EDS investigation of high-volume natural pozzolan systems; (2) the development of the NI-QEDS method; the statistical NI-QEDS analyses of (3) fly ash and slag blended-cement systems and of (4) a limestone-calcined-clay system; and (5) the deterministic NI-QEDS exploration of alternative and conventional systems incorporating glass powder, metakaolin, slag or fly ash. Finally, the developed tool not only advanced the latest micromechanical methods and models, but also provided original chemo-mechanical insights on the microstructure phases and their arrangement. Unveiling the chemo-mechanical signature of these highly-complex blended cement pastes further provided unique knowledge for engineering concretes for tomorrow.

Dans les structures en béton précontraint, les phénomènes de fluage et de retrait tendent à réduire les efforts de précontrainte initialement prévus pour maintenir le béton dans un état minimisant les forces de traction et donc la fissuration. La compréhension et la prédiction de ces phénomènes par le biais de modèles sont donc primordiales pour la conception et la maintenance à long terme des ouvrages du génie civil tels que les enceintes de confinement des centrales nucléaires.L’objectif de cette thèse est d’élaborer un cadre de modélisation micromécanique pour décrire de manière unifiée le retrait et le fluage dans les matériaux cimentaires. Pour cela, l’étude se base sur l’échelle de la microstructure poreuse du gel de C-S-H où les mécanismes intrinsèques de ces déformations différées du béton opèrent. Une approche d’homogénéisation numérique modélisant ces phénomènes dans des microstructures poreuses à morphologies quelconques est développée. Une description explicite du réseau poreux ainsi que de la phase liquide de l’eau pendant les processus de séchage/humidification est prise en compte. Les mécanismes concernant lesdéformations différées dans la phase solide sont modélisés par la théorie de la microprécontrainte-solidification (MPS). Les simulations à l’échelle microscopique sont réalisées par une approche originale couplant la méthode de Lattice Boltzmann (LBM) et la méthode des éléments finis (FEM). La LBM est utilisée pour décrire la distribution du liquide capillaire à l’échelle du pore,tandis que la FEM est employée pour simuler la déformation du squelette solide sous l’action combinée de l’eau dans l’espace poreux et d’un chargement macroscopique.La démarche proposée permet, au travers des simulations, de mieux comprendre les mécanismes liés à la non saturation et aux effets capillaires dans les milieux poreux. En particulier, la prise en compte de morphologies réalistes de microstructures et des ménisques formés conduit à différents régimes de retrait/gonflement. Ainsi les effets de l’intensité de la pression capillaire,de la tension de surface et des surfaces de chargement sur la réponse élastique du squelette solide sont évalués. Enfin, nous proposons une extension des approches précédentes au cas d’un squelette viscoélastique se déformant sous les effets de la pression capillaire et des tensions de surface. A partir des observations numériques réalisées, nous proposons un modèle pour décrire le fluage et le retrait du gel de C-S-H de manière unifiée / In pre-stressed concrete structures, creep and shrinkage tend to reduce the pre-stress forces which are initially produced so as to maintain concrete in a state minimizing traction forces and then cracks. Understanding and predicting these phenomena through models are thus highly important for the design and durability of civil engineering structures, such as containment buildings in nuclear power plants.The objective of this thesis is to develop a micromechanical modeling framework to describe shrinkage and creep in cementitious materials in a unified manner. For this purpose, the study focuses on the scale of the porous structure of the C-S-H gel where the intrinsic mechanisms of delayed strains are active. A computational homogenization approach is developed to model these phenomena in porous structures with arbitrary morphologies. An explicit description of the porous network and of the liquid phase of water during the drying/humidification process is taken into account. The mechanisms related to delayed strains in the solid phase are modeled by the microprestress-solidification theory (MPS). The simulations at the microscale are conductedbased on an original approach coupling the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and the finite element method (FEM). The LBM is used to describe the distribution of capillary water in the porous structure, whereas the FEM serves as modeling the strain of the solid skeleton under the capillary water effets and a macroscopic load.The proposed method allows, by means of the simulations, to better understand the mechanisms related to the capillary effects in the porous structure. More specifically, taking into account realistic morphologies of microstructures and of the formed menisci lead to different regimes of shrinkage/swelling. Then, the effects of capillary pressure intensity, of surface tension and of morphologies of capillary surfaces on the elastic response of the solid skeleton are evaluated. Finally, the above approaches are extended to the case of a viscoelastic solid deformed under the action of the capillary water. From numerical observations, we propose a model is proposed to describe the creep and shrinkage of C-S-H gel in a unified way