Particle Distribution Characteristics and Hydration Mechanism of Cement-Based Paste Subjected to Mechanical Vibrations

Effect of Vibration Procedure on Particle Distribution of Cement Paste

“…Cement-based materials are most widely used as concrete structures, dominating in buildings and infrastructure [ 1 ]. During casting, vibration is frequently used to maintain the ideal dispersion and density of cement-based materials, as vibration eliminates air bubbles and rearranges the particle composition in concrete [ 2 ]. Construction guides and specifications, such as the ACI Material Journal, have shown how vibration should be performed to achieve dense concrete [ 3 ].…”

“…This process enhances the strength of cement-based materials but may also result in the formation of microcracks. More specifically, vibration can readily influence microstructure development and increase the possibility of microdefects [ 2 , 7 , 10 ]. Another widely accepted viewpoint is that the yield stress of cement-based materials significantly decreases upon vibration as a result of the breaking of the interlocking of coarse aggregates due to the movement of cement-based materials in response to vibration, which disrupts the attraction between the cement and other microscopic particles and reduces the internal friction of the cement paste [ 4 ].…”

“…Due to limitations in testing methods and detection means, the distribution changes of small-sized particles such as cement particles and mineral admixtures in cement-based materials after vibration are often overlooked. By examining the strength, porosity, and elemental distribution of the various layers of cement test blocks, Ling was able to detect and characterize the inhomogeneous distribution of various microparticles and confirmed that this inhomogeneity is related to the mechanical properties of hardened cement paste [ 2 ]. This means that the distribution of microparticles is important to the properties of cement-based materials.…”