Prediction of hydration properties and microstructure development of cement mortar using virtual cement and concrete testing laboratory (VCCTL)

The hydration of cement involves complex interactions between various compounds at the microscopic level. Effective monitoring of this process provides valuable insights into the hydration mechanism, enhancing the workability, durability, and strength of concrete. This study employs the Virtual Cement and Concrete Testing Laboratory (VCCTL) to predict the properties of ordinary Portland and pozzolanic cement mortar in India. Input material data from previous studies were used to create virtual cement and fly ash samples. The findings demonstrate that VCCTL accurately predicts hydration properties such as heat of hydration, chemical shrinkage, degree of hydration, compressive strength, and microstructure development. The simulated results showed strong agreement with experimental data, particularly in predicting heat of hydration and chemical shrinkage. This validation underscores the potential of VCCTL as a reliable tool for simulating cement hydration and supports its application in optimizing cementitious materials for enhanced performance.