Physio-chemical characterization of cement mortar at high temperature

Cement mortar is the lowest unit of structure and integral part of concrete and masonry. For better understanding of mechanical behaviour of cement mortar at elevated temperature physio-chemical characterization is performed in the present study. Results obtained from experimental investigation shows temperature dependency on mechanical properties like compressive strength, elastic modulus, poisson’s ratio. For the strain measurement in specimen, Optical flow based strain measurement technique is used. Ultra sonic pulse velocity test is also conducted at elevated temperatures to show the relation between the compressive strength, elastic modulus and USPV. Chemical characterization at high temperature of cement mortar is carried out with the help of XRD and SEM. Results from the chemical analysis show decomposition of cement’s hydrated products at elevated temperatures and subsequently leads to degradation in mechanical properties.