Influence of Aggregates on the Strength and Elastic Modulus of High Strength Mortars Containing Microsilica

Abstract

The strength development of mortars made with a high strength paste containing microsilica was investigated as a function of aggregate type and content. Strength could be modelled using composite theory; the predicted strengths of the paste and aggregate component reflected the influence of the cement-aggregate bond. Scanning electron microscopic examinations gave a qualitative idea of the extent of bond failure, which correlated satisfactorily with the predicted behavior. The modulus of elasticity for SiC mortars could be predicted well by Hirsch's model or the aggregate model.