Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Details of the aggregate properties are measured, such as the degree of
strain in quartz.
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The size, distribution and abundance of phases in the cement paste are
assessed including, for example, the occurrence of calcium hydroxide
and the amount of residual unhydrated clinker.
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The presence of cement replacement phases such as slag or PFA can
usually be recognised (though the amount of these phases cannot be
judged accurately). The presence of high-alumina cement can be detected
and the type of cement clinker can often be assessed.
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Any products of processes of deterioration of either the cement paste or
the aggregate can be recognised.
Broken surfaces
After the specially prepared surfaces and sections are completed, the
remainder of the core is examined with the binocular microscope. In
particular, the pieces are broken to produce fresh surfaces. These surfaces
allow the contents of voids to be studied and the nature of aggregate surfaces
or crack surfaces to be investigated.
Composition
The composition of the sample is measured using either the polished slice or
the thin section, depending on the size of the sample and on details of the
aggregate type and paste. The thin section is preferable, for example where
