Virtual Cement and Concrete.
Virtual Cement and Concrete.
(1024 K)
Frohnsdorff, G. J. C.; Clifton, J. R.; Garboczi, E. J.;
Bentz, D. P.
Portland Cement Association (PCA). Emerging
Technologies Symposium on Cement in the 21st Century.
Proceedings. March 15, 1995, 1995.
Keywords:
cements; concretes; databases; expert systems;
integrated knowledge systems; simulation models;
standards; sustainable technology; virtual technology;
education; training
Abstract:
In the past, progress in cement and concrete science and
technology has come mostly by deduction from the results
of empirical investigations. As the body of knowledge
about cement and concrete grows and becomes
computerized, so does the possibility of relying more on
induction to solve technological problems. In this
speculative paper, it is suggested that we can look
forward to the not-far-distant day when the performance
of cements in concrete will be able to be predicted from
knowledge of measured properties of the cement and other
constituents, the mixture proportions, and the expected
conditions of mixing, curing, and use. It will then be
possible to conceive of a cement that has not yet been
made -- a "virtual cement" -- and predict the
performance of a "virtual concrete" made with it. The
resulting ability to investigate the effects of possible
changes in the composition and particle size and shape
distribution of a cement quickly and cost-effectively
will have broad impacts. It should facilitate product
development.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899