Effects of the presence of free lime nodules into concrete: experimentation and modelling

When nodules of lime are embedded into concrete, the expansion accompanying the transformation of CaO into Ca(OH)2 induces stresses and strains in both the lime nodule and in the concrete matrix. The concrete cover thickness, the diameter and the shape of the lime nodule as well as the mechanical characteristics of concrete and lime are the key parameters influencing the development of internal pressure and hence controlling the risk of cracking or pop-out. In order to study the effect of lime into cementitious concretes, laboratory investigations and modelling have been performed and show that the minimum cover thickness necessary to avoid the development of the pop-out phenomenon is estimated of the order of half the diameter of the inclusion. This is coming from the observation that expansion happens inside the porosity of the hydrated lime Ca(OH)2: ESEM and DRX analysis confirm the effect of confinement in the development of crystals.