Evaluation of micro-mechanical properties of nonlinear cementitious composite using large-displacement transient nanoindentation analysis

Abstract

Nanoindentation technique is employed for evaluation of mechanical properties of homogeneous materials at micro-level. Many engineering materials, especially cement and concrete composites, which are extensively used as building materials, exhibit phase heterogeneity and are highly porous. The presence of pores highly influences the response obtained from nanoindentation tests. In this study, mechanical properties of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H), the primary binding agent in cementitious composites, are investigated using a simulated nanoindentation technique. The influence of presence of pores and its geometrical distribution on the non-linear response of C-S-H phases and the stress distribution are critically analysed.