A multi-scale analysis framework is used to efficiently identify the correlation between the microstructure and tensile strength of slag blended cement paste in this study. This framework confirms that the tensile strength of cement paste can be predicted by considering…
A multi-scale analysis framework is used to efficiently identify the correlation between the microstructure and tensile strength of slag blended cement paste in this study. This framework confirms that the tensile strength of cement paste can be predicted by considering the effect of mi- crostructure. The framework is applied to cement paste specimens containing blast furnace slag. The tensile strength of the slag blended cement paste is evaluated by experiment and simulation. The slag blended cement paste is observed using micro-CT (computed tomography), which is subjected to a splitting test to measure the tensile strength. The micro-CT images are reconstructed into virtual 3D microstructures to be used as a simulation model. The virtual 3D microstructures are employed to simulate the splitting test through a finite element analysis, with a phase-field fracture model applied to identify the crack patterns within the microstructure. The input parameters required for the simula- tion are obtained from nanoindentationcorrelatedwithcharacteristicsfrommicro-CT.Theframework is subsequently utilized to evaluate the tensile strength of slag blended cement paste and compared with experimental results. This study demonstrates the feasibility of extending the multi-scale frame- worktocementpastewithadmixtures.