A collection of three-dimensional datasets of hydrating cement paste

Abstract

This dataset contains a collection of digitized three-dimensional hardened cement paste microstructures obtained from X-ray micro-computed tomography. Four sets of ordinary Portland cement-based pastes were produced and X-ray screened, varying in the initial water-to-cement ratio (wcr=0.35 and 0.50) and fineness of cement used (391 and 273 m2/kg Blaine). Individual paste samples from each set were screened after 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days of elapsed hydration at 20˚C in saturated conditions. Each digitized paste specimen captures a realistic spatial configuration of the principal microstructural phases (anhydrous cement, hydration products, and large capillary porosity). The dataset may be further used for assessing changes in the mix design on the resultant spatial configuration of the paste microstructure or aid the development of microstructure-inspired micromechanical models based on realistic material configuration.

Keywords

• Image processing
• Microstructure characterization
• Portland cement paste
• Specific surface area
• X-ray micro-computed tomography