Speaker
Description
The long-term performance of calcium aluminate cement (CAC) in cold environments depends critically on its resistance to freeze–thaw (F–T) cycles. This study evaluates the microstructural evolution and damage mechanisms in CAC mortars exposed to repeated F–T cycling. A combined analytical approach was applied to assess both phase changes and internal degradation.
Microstructural characterization was conducted using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to monitor hydration products, phase transformations, and surface-level microcracking. In parallel, high-resolution synchrotron X-ray microtomography was performed at the ALBA light source, enabling non-destructive 3D quantification of internal microporosity and crack formation.
The study reveals that freeze–thaw degradation in CAC is driven by phase instability and pore network evolution, with synchrotron microtomography exposing early-stage internal damage undetectable by conventional methods. These findings highlight the role of microstructural dynamics in durability and support the design of more resilient CAC formulations.
Affiliations
¹ ATEM - Civil Engineering and Environmental Department, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Jordi Girona 31, Barcelona, Spain. lucia.fernandez@upc.edu
² Geociències Barcelona (GEO3BCN - CSIC), Carrer de Lluís Solé i Sabarís, s/n, Barcelona, Spain.
³ Facultat de Ciències de la Terra, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Martí i Franqués, s/n, Barcelona, Spain.
| Title | Freeze–Thaw Durability of CAC Assessed by Synchrotron Microtomography |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Freeze-Thaw, Microtomography, Durability |