MOISTURE MIGRATION AND DRYING PROPERTIES OF HARDENED CEMENT PASTE ANDMORTAR

The moisture migration and drying properties of hardened cement paste and mortar are studied experimentally and analytically. Thin-wall cyli ndrical specimens with a thickness of about 1.0 mm are used to reduce hygral gradients. The specimens are loaded with different compressive stresses in the range 0-11 MPa. Two test series are performed: loss of water (test 1) and migration of moisture through the thin wall of the specimens (test 2) are measured. Furthermore, the experimental result s are analyzed as a non-linear diffusion process, by means of the fini te element method. The effects of the compressive stress and aggregate s are discussed, referring to the diffusion coefficients obtained.