A method for description of mechanical behaviour of hardened cement paste by evaluating adsorption data

An improved method for the evaluation of sorption data is outlined. This “thermo-dynamic approach” takes the change of surface tension of adsorbed liquid films into consideration. No assumption on the pore shape has to be introduced. In addition to the pore size distribution changes of the surface free energy can be calculated with the help of this new method. There are distinct advantages when systems are to be studied in which capillary condensation can hardly be separated from pure sorption. The results obtained by the thermodynamic approach are discussed in comparison with mechanical properties of hardened cement paste. It is possible to describe shrinkage creep and change of strength on this basis.