Dense packing of cement pastes and resulting consequences on mortar properties

Dense packing of cement particles in the starting mix results in high-strength mortars of low porosity. Mathematical models of J.E. Funk and D.R. Dinger and their computer implementations are good tools for making efficient use of the filler effect. Mortars made of blended cements show very positive overall properties. Hydration is quickened, compressive strength becomes higher, porosity decreases, and microstructure becomes homogeneous and dense. Those factors result in good mechanical properties and great durability of the material.