Lee, Chang Hoon2014-02-252019-01-282014-01-27bibid: 8442227https://hdl.handle.net/1813/36061This research proposes a framework for modeling the fluid-to-solid transition of cement paste, mortar, and concrete by application of generalized mathematical growth models. In the general case growth models are applied to mechanisms such as ontogenesis, chemical reactions, ecological systems (such as population growth or predator-prey relationship), and so on. In this specific research the models correlate an internal growth mechanism with a variety of externally observable outcomes that include stiffening as measured by penetration resistance and compressive strength. The primary focus is on correlating or predicting the outcomes rather than on the internal growth mechanism itself, which in this case is the hydration of Portland cement. Also, the proposed framework makes it possible to predict the strength of concrete considering the strength degradation because of high concrete temperature by using five Arrhenius-type equations that can represent nonlinearity in Arrhenius plot. In addition, the growth model was applied to represent setting behaviors of paste, mortar, and concrete, and the quantitative characterization of the setting behaviors is investigated. Also, the difference in setting behaviors of sieved and prepared mortars is examined with quantifying the paste content and aggregate grading in the mortars.en-USgrowth modelconcrete maturitysetting behaviordissertation or thesis