Influence of initial tensile stress on mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate under various strain rates by molecular dynamics simulation

Molecular dynamics (MD) was introduced to explore mechanical properties of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) under different initial tensile stress levels and strain rates. It shows the strain rates have obvious enhancement on the basic mechanical parameters. The dynamic tensile strength will not decrease until the initial tensile stress level reaches about 76%.The enhancement mechanisms are proclaimed by the interaction potential function and the development of chemical bonds. The constitutive model for C-S-H considering the initial tensile stress levels is proposed. Our observations can provide atomic insights into the influence of loading history on the dynamic tensile strength of cement-based materials.