[Correlations between the microstructure and the "creep" of amalgams]

Microcracking in concrete refers to the tiny cracks that can form within the material even before any external load is applied. These microcracks typically occur at the interface between the coarse aggregate and the hydrated cement paste, often as a result of differential volume changes prompted by variations in stress-strain behavior, as well as thermal and moisture movement. Initially, these microcracks remain stable and do not grow substantially until the concrete is stressed to about 30...

Creep refers to the time-dependent increase in strain under a sustained load, excluding other time-dependent deformations associated with shrinkage, swelling, and thermal expansion in concrete. The primary mechanism behind creep involves the loss of physically adsorbed water from the calcium silicate hydrate within the hydrated cement paste. This process is further exacerbated by concrete's non-linear stress-strain relationship, microcrack development in the interfacial transition zone, and...

In normal-weight aggregate concrete, the hardened cement paste is the primary contributor to creep, whereas the aggregates, being stiffer than the cement paste, are more resilient to stress-induced deformation. The stiffness of the aggregates is defined by their modulus of elasticity, and the more voluminous they are in the concrete, the less it will creep.
Further, the water/cement ratio is critical, as a lower ratio increases concrete strength, thus reducing creep. The strength of the...

Creep in concrete, the gradual deformation under prolonged stress, significantly impacts the integrity of structures. For reinforced concrete beams, it can be a vital design consideration, as it increases deflection, sometimes necessitating additional design measures. In columns, especially slender ones under eccentric loads, creep can cause buckling, compromising their stability. However, creep can be beneficial in indeterminate structures by mitigating stresses that arise from shrinkage,...