Utilização de um modelo de empacotamento de partículas considerando o cimento como parte do "arranjo seco

ABSTRACT The “dry arrangement” of a cementitious compound can be defined as the mass or volumetric relationship between the dry materials that constitute it. By fixing the kind of material that makes up this arrangement and the cement compound production process, it is possible to more clearly analyze the dosage process of any cement compound. To analyze the behavior of these compounds in regard to the changes in volumetric quantities of their components, it is known the basic particle packing models, such as Funk and Dinger Particle Packing Model. The present article aims to analyze the properties in fresh (consistency index) and hardened state (water absorption, specific mass and axial compressive strength) of mortars produced with the Funk and Dinger Particle Packing Model. In this model, the cement particles were considered as part of the “dry arrangement” (aggregates), assuming only the water volume as the “matrix” (or separation agent), thus simplifying the definition of cement consumption. Results demonstrated that it is possible to achieve, by changing the volumetric quantity of the components, a reduction in cement consumption of approximately 32% and at the same time achieve an increase in axial compressive strength of approximately 59%, a reduction in absorption and an increase in the specific mass of the specimens. However, a significant decrease in the workability of the produced mortars was verified.