Multiscale micromechanical analysis of alkali-activated fly ash-slag paste

Current demand for highly sustainable concrete, e.g. alkali-activated fly ash-slag (AAFS) concrete, urges understanding the links between microstructure and micromechanical properties of this binder. This paper presents a systematic investigation into the microstructure and micromechanical properties of AAFS paste from nano-scale to micro-scale. Nanoindentation was used to evaluate the micromechanical properties, while the microstructure was characterised using 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, backscattered electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results indicate that N-A-S-H gels have a relatively low elastic modulus due to their high level of structural disorder and gel porosity, while the C-A-S-H gels and N-C-A-S-H gels with a low level of structural disorder and gel porosity have a relatively high elastic modulus. The elasticity of reaction products and their relative volumetric proportions mainly determine the macroscopic elasticity of AAFS paste, while the porosity and pore size distribution primarily condition its macroscopic strength.