Mechanical property–porosity relationships of layered calcium silicate hydrate phases

Dynamic mechanical analysis measurements were made on the following calcium-silicate- hydrate systems: 1.4 nm tobermorite (T), jennite (J), synthetic C–S–H (C/S = 0.80, 1.20 and 1.50) and cement paste. The age of the cement paste varied from 3 days to 45 years. Plots of storage modulus versus porosity were constructed for all these materials. The non-uniqueness of the curves is discussed with reference to Taylor’s analysis of strength-porosity curves and the influence of particle type, density and crystallinity. Additional insights regarding the practical application of T–J and T–CH nanostructural models for the C–S–H nanostructure in hydrated cements is provided.