Experimental investigation of the first desorption isotherm of a high performance concrete with thin sliced samples

摘要: The aim of present study is to determine experimentally the first desorption isotherm a high performance concrete based on CEM I cement for long-term underground nuclear waste storage structures. Thin sliced samples are used in order reduce time needed obtain complete isotherm. To ensure experimental representativeness, great amount with thickness h = 1, 2, and 3 mm have been desaturated from two different initial saturated states till reference dry state. analysis size effect kinetics mass variation fully water-saturated shows that thinner lose more quickly days, but has no clear influence total relative loss once stabilization reached. An important curing condition observed due creation new surfaces an increase porous connectivity. results obtained technique compare well previous works sample geometries. A pore network model basis Kelvin–Laplace’s capillary theory implemented existence main desaturation modes corresponding pores C–S–H porosity.