2018•Unpublished venueRequires access
Modelling strategies for the study of crack sefl-sealing in mortar with superabsorbent polymers
Claudia Romero Rodrigueza, Stefan Chaves Figueiredo, Didier Snoeck, Branko Šavija, Erik Schlangen
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Abstract
In this work, a numerical model is presented to predict the self-sealing effect provided by
superabsorbent polymers (SAP) admixtures in mortar. Firstly, the use of a law of absorption
kinetics for SAP embedded in a cementitious matrix was validated with experimental results
available in literature. Secondly, two extreme strategies are considered for the swelling of
SAP in the crack regarding the variation in its deformation capacity under constraint. The
results show the appropriateness of the SAP absorption law and explain the mechanisms of
water absorption of mortar with such admixtures. Furthermore, the influence of the
deformation capacity of SAP on the water penetration in cracks is studied parametrically.