Evaluating mechanical properties of cement materials by depth-sensing indentation method

The energy consumption of crushing is directly affected by the mechanical properties of cement materials. The elastic modulus, energy dissipation, recovery resistance and other mechanical properties of cement materials are evaluated based on the depth-sensing indentation method in this work. It is significant and efficient for engineering application. In results, the calculated elastic modulus is close to that measured by dynamic method, being used to verify the correctness of the calculated data. And the calculated energy dissipation of clinker is higher than that of limestone and granite, which can partially be used to explain why the grinding of clinker consumes a lot of energy in cement industry. The recovery resistance of clinker is almost identical to that of granite, more than that of limestone. It is found that the clinker, in contrast to granite and limestone, exhibits better plasticity and greater energy absorption capacity.