The influence of variable gravity on the microstructural development of tricalcium silicate pastes

Peter J. Collins, Richard N. Grugel, Aleksandra Radlińska

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Building infrastructure outside the known environment on Earth poses challenges that must be dealt with in order to safely protect the habitants and equipment. One of the issues that must be dealt with on the Moon and Mars, for example, is the influence of reduced gravity. For the first time, work is presented that helps understand the influence of reduced gravity on the hydration of a tricalcium silicate (C3S) paste, an important component of cement. The C3S samples were mixed in the microgravity environment on the International Space Station (ISS) and placed within a centrifuge to simulate the gravity of the Moon, Mars, and a statistical point at 70% of Earth's gravity. In addition to the simulated gravity samples, identical samples were mixed in the microgravity environment on the ISS, as well as a control sample on Earth. Microstructural analysis shows that an increase in gravity level results in less trapped air, as well as smaller pore size distributions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationEarth and Space 2021
Subtitle of host publicationMaterials, Structures, Dynamics, and Control in Extreme Environments - Selected Papers from the 17th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments
EditorsPaul J. van Susante, Alaina Dickason Roberts
PublisherAmerican Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
Pages59-66
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9780784483381
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event17th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments: Materials, Structures, Dynamics, and Control in Extreme Environments, Earth and Space 2021 - Seattle, United States
Duration: Apr 19 2021Apr 23 2021

Publication series

NameEarth and Space 2021: Materials, Structures, Dynamics, and Control in Extreme Environments - Selected Papers from the 17th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments

Conference

Conference17th Biennial International Conference on Engineering, Science, Construction, and Operations in Challenging Environments: Materials, Structures, Dynamics, and Control in Extreme Environments, Earth and Space 2021
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period4/19/214/23/21

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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