Title:
Concrete and Mortar Research in Microgravity Aboard the NASA Space Shuttle
Author(s):
Mark A. Bury, John R. Blakely, Lyle B. Jalbert, and Steve Mustaikis II
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
16
Issue:
9
Appears on pages(s):
42-46
Keywords:
admixtures; curing; microstructure; mixers; mixing; mixing time; mortars (material); tests; Materials Research
DOI:
Date:
9/1/1994
Abstract:
Master Builders, Inc. and the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space (SEDS), a student group at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, have teamed up to initiate a unique, ongoing, fundamental research program for concrete in space. The program endeavors to answer questions about the hydration of portland cement in microgravity. The notion of mixing and curing conventional concrete in an environment with little or no gravity is indeed intriguing. On earth, mixing concrete is accomplished with the help of gravity through tumbling and shearing effects as materials are combined in a rotating drum. In addition, concrete made on earth is subjected to settling effects and bleeding due to gravity. The authors feel that valuable information can be obtained about concrete when gravity is removed. Addressing this issue will not only further the development of concrete use in future lunar bases, but it may also provide clues on how potential improvements can be made to concrete produced on earth.