INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICS

Evolution of mechanical properties of gypsum

in time
P. Padevět, P. Tesárek, T. Plachý

 characteristics like its moisture, mechanical, thermal and

Abstract— The paper presents time dependent changes sound insulation properties. The theoretical water-gypsum
of mechanical properties (Young’s Modulus, strength and creep ) ratio necessary for the hydration of calcium sulphate
of grey calcined gypsum. These material properties were measured in hemihydrate into calcium sulphate dihydrate is 0.187.
different time instants during hardening on the gypsum specimens of
Additional water, in a so-called over-stoicheiometric quantity,
dimensions 40 x 40 x 160 mm using nondestructive and destructive
methods. For the determination of Dynamic Young’s Modulus, the is necessary for the processing of the hardening gypsum paste.
nondestructive impulse excitation method was used. The destructive Depending on the value of the water-gypsum ratio, the gypsum
methods were used for bending strength and compression strength. is made from a gypsum paste by pressing, vibrating or casting
At the end of the paper, the time evaluation of grey calcined gypsum [2].
mechanical properties is presented and discussed. The purity of gypsum binder corresponds with a relationship
between different phases of calcium sulphate-water system; it
means a proportion between anhydrite, hemihydrate and
Keywords— Calcined gypsum, mechanical properties,
destructive methods, creep of gypsum, shrinkage.
dihydrate of calcium suplphate and impurities which every
gypsum binder contains [3].
I. INTRODUCTION The process of solid structure evolution relates with
hardening of gypsum paste. As basic mechanical properties for
Hydration is basic process how made from gypsum (calcium
characterization of gypsum properties are usually used
sulphate hemihydrate CaSO4·½H2O) the hardened gypsum
compressive and bending strength, other mechanical gypsum
(calcium sulphate dihydrate CaSO4·2H2O). Hydration, it is
properties, as Young’s Modulus, are tested less often [4]. The
typical effect for hydraulic binders. During this process,
strength characteristics correspond mainly with physical
hydration heat is generated and the volume increases –
properties of hardened gypsum as total open porosity,
expansion. Hydration is set off after mixing water with
arrangement of gypsum crystals, and type of used gypsum
gypsum.
binder [5]. On the other hand, properties of gypsum depend on
The process of gypsum hydration and setting relies on
conditions where the hardened gypsum is placed. Temperature
multiple factors:
and moisture (relative humidity but especially a liquid water
- the temperature during preparing of the gypsum paste,
content) prejudice mechanical properties of gypsum. In a first
- the water-gypsum ratio,
phase of gypsum hydration, time dependence is observed.
- the method of gypsum mixing,
Hurmanic and Roggendorf [6] made comparisons between
- the mixing intensity and time,
natural gypsum and flue gas desulfurization gypsum. They also
- the fineness of grinding,
compared their mechanical and physical properties: hardness
- the purity of gypsum binder [1].
by Vickers, abrasive power, abrasive effect, compressive
The water-gypsum ratio has an influence on the basic
strength, the size and distribution of pores. These results
physical characteristics of hardened gypsum, such as its
showed that the artificially produced material had better
volume density, total open porosity and other related
characteristics than the natural material. More research
projects of this type were carried out with the main objective
The paper has been supported by Ministry of Education of Czech Republic of proving the suitability of artificially produced gypsum, or
as a part of the project No. MSM 6840770031.
Pavel Padevět is with Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of
hardened gypsum respectively. Mechanical properties
Civil Engineering, Thákurova 7, Prague 6, 166 29, Czech Republic (compressive strength, tensile bending strength, Young’s
(corresponding author to provide phone: +420-224354484; fax: +420- modulus, Poisson’s ratio) are known from the following
224310775; e-mail: pavel.padevet@ fsv.cvut.cz).
Tomáš Plachý is with Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of
publications: Klein and Ruffer [7], Ghozh et al., [9]. Verbeek
Civil Engineering, Thákurova 7, Prague 6, 166 29, Czech Republic and du Plessis [4] measured the tensile bending strength and
(corresponding author to provide phone: +420-224354401; fax: +420- volume density of phosphogypsum with various gypsum-
224310775; e-mail: plachy@fsv.cvut.cz). cement ratios. Tazawa [10] presents the tensile bending
Pavel Tesárek is with Czech Technical University in Prague, Faculty of
Civil Engineering, Thákurova 7, Prague 6, 166 29, Czech Republic strength, compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity
(corresponding author to provide phone: +420-224354484; fax: +420- for three types of α- and β-gypsum. Acker [11] compares
224310775; e-mail: tesarek@fsv.cvut.cz).

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different methods of determining the mechanical properties sulphate dihydrates (naturally gypsum and gypsum from a
(tensile bending strength and compressive strength) on gypsum chemistry industry, ratio is 1:1).
wallboard. Singh and Garg [12] measured compressive Standard ČSN 72 23 01 – Gypsum binders was used for
strength in relation to pH values of gypsum. In the area of classification of grey calcined gypsum. Fig. 1 shows a
gypsum applied by dentists, Li et at. carry on experiments with dependence of a spillage on a water-gypsum ratio. The water-
cold pressing of gypsum (300 MPa for a time of 10 minutes gypsum ratio corresponded with the spillage 140 mm, this
and successive placement of samples in a water environment spillage achieved workability of a gypsum mixture from the
for one hour). The samples treated in this way reached strength point of view of the technological possibilities as e.g. casting.
values three times higher than the reference samples. Water gypsum ratio 0.81 corresponded with standard spillage
From presented results is visible clear that the mechanical 180 mm.
characteristics (above all strength) of gypsum after its Figure 2 shows the results for typical samples from grey
hydration rely on the above-mentioned conditions applied calcined gypsum with water-gypsum ratio 0.71. According to
during the development of its own solid structure, but also on the results of this test, the grey gypsum is normally cured
the successive placement of the unit (for example, the binder in our case, which corresponds to the signed setting
difference between a placement in a water environment and in time, which is denoted as B (beginning of setting 7.0 minutes
the air etc. and end of setting 10.0 minutes.)
The strength values of hardened gypsum significantly
depend on the water-gypsum ratio, which commonly takes the Gypsum paste spillage
value for pouring in the interval of 0.6 to 0.8. 250
Current standards as Czech standard ČSN 72 23 01 Gypsum
binders – Classification, general technical specifications and 200

test methods (1979) specify tested compressive strength after

Spillage [mm]
two hours (after gypsum was added into water) [6]. 150

One of the important properties of hardened gypsum is

the fact, that it is possible take out a gypsum samples from the 100

mould twenty minutes after mixing the gypsum with water.

After this time, the gypsum sample (with standardized normal 50

consistence and without admixtures) is self-supporting; it is

able to be manipulated and loaded. 0
0.60 0.65 0.70 0.75 0.80 0.85 0.90
After two hours (standard time), the compressive strength of Water/gypsum ratio [-]
the gypsum samples is approximately 1/5 of maximal
Fig. 1: Dependence of the gypsum paste spillage on a water/gypsum
compressive strength, which is developed after 28, ratio
respectively 14, days after mixing. Time 28 days is
standardized for current building materials as plaster, cement
Vicat device
or concrete. The laboratory conditions with relative humidity 40
50 % and temperature 20 °C are standard. In these conditions,
35
Distance from a sample surface

gypsum samples are placed [6]. From conditions of a sample

deposit, it is clear that the weight of the samples will decline in 30
time. Question is how moisture affects the strength 25
characteristics of gypsum samples during first days.
[mm]-

20
Destructive methods, as their name predicates, are
possible to be applied on tested specimens only once. Main 15

problem is too many numbers of samples for a description of 10

one problem, e.g. determination of compressive strength on 5
moisture content of samples. A second problem is time, time-
0
consuming preparation before and during own measurements.
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14
[7], [8]. Time [min]

Fig. 2: Results from the Vicat device

II. MATERIALS AND PREPARING OF SPECIMENS
Tested specimens were prepared according to the Czech Results from the classification according to ČSN 72 2301
standard ČSN 72 23 01 Gypsum binders [16]. Samples with are shown in the Table I. According to the ČSN 72 23 01, the
dimensions 40×40×160 mm were made from the “Grey Grey gypsum is classified as G2 BIII. Mark G2 means that
calcined gypsum” which is produced by company Gypstrend. compressive strength after two hours is at least 2 MPa, the
This gypsum binder is β-gypsum (β-calcium sulphate gypsum is with normal-setting (B) determined using the Vicat
hemihydrate) and is calcined from two different calcium device and partially corresponds to testing of cement materials.

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Criterion for tested samples is standard water/gypsum ratio, The tested samples were prepared from a gypsum binder
which corresponds to the gypsum paste with normal with a mass of 1.0 kg and water, where amount of water
consistence with spillage 180 ± 5 mm. This term satisfies the corresponded with the water/gypsum ratio 0.71. Gypsum was
tested gypsum samples water gypsum ratio 0.81 (Fig. 2). The poured inside a beaker with water for 20 seconds. While it was
last criterion is the fineness of grinding, where the tested poured and for 60 seconds after the whole amount of gypsum
gypsum is medium ground and the fineness of grinding is had been poured, the mixture was intensively stirred with a
marked II in our case. Used water-gypsum ratio was 0.71 and manual stirrer until a uniform paste was obtained. Then, the
corresponded with normal consistence of gypsum paste after paste was poured inside the mould so that all three sections
standard ČSN 722301. would be simultaneously filled. To remove air from a gypsum
paste, the mould was shook 5 times after filling using a
TABLE I standard shake (the mould is lifted at its face side to a height of
RESULTS OF CLASIFICATION OF GREY CALCINED GYPSUM
10 mm and dropped).
ACCORDING TO CSN 722301
As soon as the paste started to set, its surface was cut off in
the direction perpendicular to the bar surface. After 15
strength (2 hours)

minutes, i.e. after the finish of setting, the mould was removed

a sieve 0,2 mm
Compressive

and the samples were marked and placed in the test room at an

Residue on
Beginning

average temperature of 25 °C and a relative humidity of 50 %.

[minutes]

[minutes]
of setting

of setting
[MPa]

End

[%] III. NONDESTRUCTIVE AND DESTRUCTIVE METHODS

Measured
2.1 7 10 1.9 The following characteristics were determined using
values
consequently described destructive methods:
Limit values of Minimum
ČSN 2 6 30 2 - bending strength
Classification - compressive strength
according to G-2 B II - Young’s Modulus
ČSN Before starting the destructive tests, the specimens were
tested using nondestructive method - the impulse excitation
Table II shows basic material properties of grey calcined method for Dynamic Young’s Modulus determination of the
gypsum as bulk density, density of matrix, thermal gypsum specimens. This method is based on measuring the
conductivity and volumetric heat capacity measured at fundamental resonant frequencies [19], [20]. The test
laboratory conditions with temperatures 25 °C and relative arrangement was done for longitudinal vibration (Fig. 3).
humidity 50 %, water vapor diffusion resistance factor
determined using cup method without temperature gradient
(with two different conditions with 5 and 50 % of relative
humidity a apparent moisture diffusivity of water), for more
information see [22].

TABLE II
BASIC MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF SPECIMENS OF GREY
CALCINED GYPSUM
Properties Unit Value Variability
Bulk density kg ·m-3 1130 ±8%
Density
kg ·m-3 2090 ±9% Fig. 3: The test arrangement for measuring the fundamental
of matrix
longitudinal resonant frequency of the gypsum specimen
Thermal
conductivity W·m-1·K-1 0.338 ±9%
The specimen was supported in the middle of its span
(25°C, 50 % R.H.)
(Fig. 3), the fundamental longitudinal nodal position. The
Volumetric heat
acceleration transducer Bruel&Kjaer of Type 4519-003 was
capacity 106 J·m-3·K-1 0.149 ± 12 %
placed at the centre of one of the end faces of the specimen
(25°C, 50 % R.H.)
(Fig. 3- the left end face). The end face of the specimen
Water vapor
diffusion resistance opposite to the face, where the transducer was located, was
- 19 ± 15 % struck by the impact hammer Bruel&Kjaer of Type 8206. Both
factor
(5/50 % R.H.) signals, the excitation force and the acceleration, were
Apparent moisture recorded and transformed using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)
10-7 m2·s-1 2.96 ±7% to the frequency domain and the Frequency Response Function
diffusivity of water

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(FRF) were evaluated from these signals using the vibration

control station Bruel&Kjaer Front-end 3560-B-120 and
program PULSE 14.0. The test was repeated five times for
each specimen and resultant readings were averaged. From an
averaged FRF, the fundamental longitudinal resonant
frequency was determined for each specimen. Based on the
equation for longitudinal vibration of the beam with
continuously distributed mass with free-free boundary
condition, the Dynamic Young’s Modulus can be determined
using the relation
4lmf 2 ,
E (1)
bt
where:
l is the length of the specimen, Fig. 4: Specimens prepared for creep tests.
m is the mass of the specimen,
f is the fundamental longitudinal resonant frequency
of the specimen, IV. INSTRUMENTATION OF THE TESTS
b is the width of the specimen, Measuring of the material properties [3] was realized in the
t is the thickness of the specimen. MTS Alliance RT 30 tensile testing machine, with the range
30 kN. The three-point bending test was realized with distance
The compressive strength was tested on six sample halves, of the supports 120 mm (Fig. 5). The signals like time, load,
obtained after the bending test, which was finished at first. The and deformation of whole specimen were recorded to the PC.
samples were placed between two steel plates (with The tensile bending strength was calculated using the standard
dimensions 40×50 mm) in such way that the lateral edges, evaluation procedure as the average of three values. The
which adjoined the longitudinal mould walls during the sample distance of supports, load, dimensions of cross-section are
preparation, would be situated on the plate planes. This necessary parameters for evaluation procedure.
restricted the effect of the geometry imperfections on the
sample surfaces, which had been cut off. The test itself was
made in compliance with the corresponding standard
procedures. A typical output of the compression test is stress-
strain diagram.
In the second case, cylindrical specimens were used for
creep tests. Measurement of creep or shrinkage of homogenous
material is accompanying by limitations in size of specimens.
The length of specimens for testing gypsum creep is depended
on the size of gauges. By the optoelectronic probe it is
possible to achieve good results in measuring the creep.
Optoelectronic probes are used for measuring of deformation
because of their high sensitivity. Their sensitivity is 0.2 μm.
Cylindrical specimens are made in the plastic moulds.
Lengths of specimen made in the moulds were between 90 and
100 mm. Specimens with the length of 70mm were cut from Fig. 5: Specimen in three-point bending test.
the origin length, for tests in creep (Fig. 4). Diameter of all
specimens in the moulds was 10 mm. Area for application of For evaluation of the compression test was necessary to
load is 78 mm2. record signals like load and strain to the PC. Rate of test was
Strength of hardened gypsum is influenced by type of defined before its realization. Values of compression strength
ground gypsum, fineness of grinding, additives, etc. were calculated from these signals, which corresponded with
The same specimens are used for the creep tests and time of testing. The goal of measuring was to observe the
compression tests. compression strength evolution.
All specimens for the creep tests were placed in ordinary Stress, which was calculated from load and loading area,
laboratory environment before testing, where temperature was and measured strain were used for evaluation of stress-strain
20 °C and relative humidity 50 %. diagram. The Young’s Modulus of Elasticity was calculated
from the stress-strain curve.
Lever mechanism (Fig. 6) [13], equipment for creep
measuring and shrinkage of homogenous materials was used

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for gray gypsum, too. Stationary load was applied to the daily and after five days, they were tested after 7 days and 14
specimen. A size of the applied load depends on the weight of days. At each test time, the same six specimens were tested
a plumb and location of a plumb at the lever. The measuring of using impulse excitation method and time dependent changes
deformation is realized by three optoelectronic probes. The of the Dynamic Young's Modulus were monitored. Three more
length of deformation is whole length of a specimen, which specimens were tested using the same non-destructive method
was placed in the lever mechanism. Axial deformations were at each test time and then these specimens were tested using
measured by the gauges. The average deformation was destructive methods (e.g. bending tests, compression tests).
calculated after termination of measuring. The dimensions and weight of every tested specimen were
Specimens with diameter 10 mm were used in executed measured before starting each testing.
experiments.. The applied loads were approximately 74N for The results of Dynamic Young’s Modulus of chosen six
the first sets of specimens. The second set of specimens was specimens in dependence on weight of the specimens are
loaded by force 116 N. Force 74N corresponds with the weight visible in Fig. 7. Fig. 8 shows the time dependent changes of
of equipment above the specimen. The loading of specimens Dynamic Young's Modulus of chosen six specimens. After the
were constant for whole period of measuring, which was 7th day the value of Dynamic Young's Modulus has not
37 days. changed significantly.
At first, the specimens were placed into the lever
mechanism and then the systems were loaded by plumbs.
Measuring the deformation started after placing the specimens
Dynamic Young´s Modulus
into the lever mechanism. The plumbs were taken off before 6,000
finishing the measurement, as it can be seen in Fig. 10 Specimen 1_10_03
5,500 Specimen 2_10_03
(unloading part of the graph). Then, all specimens were taken
out of lever mechanisms and prepared for compression tests. Specimen 3_10_03
5,000
Specimen 1_12_45
In compression tests were checked the material properties of
4,500 Specimen 2_12_45
hardened gypsum.
Ed [GPa]

Specimen 3_12_45
4,000

3,500

3,000

2,500

2,000
0,250 0,270 0,290 0,310 0,330 0,350 0,370 0,390 0,410
m [kg]

Fig.7: The changes of Dynamic Young's Modulus of chosen six

specimens in dependence on weight of the specimens

Dynamic Young´s Modulus

6,000
Fig.6: Lever mechanism – device for testing creep of homogenous
materials. 5,500

The Modulus of Elasticity and compression strength was 5,000

computed from data of measuring. Young’s Modulus of 4,500

Elasticity was calculated like a secant, linking the start and
Ed [GPa]

4,000 Specimen 1_10_03

value at stress-strain curve which correspond to the 1/3 of the
Specimen 2_10_03
strength. 3,500 Specimen 3_10_03
One extensometer applied on surface of cylindrical
3,000 Specimen 1_12_45
specimen, with measurement length 25 mm, was used for
Specimen 2_12_45
measuring of strain. 2,500 Specimen 3_12_45

V. NONDESTRUCTIVE METHODS - RESULTS 2,000

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The time dependent changes of Dynamic Young's Modulus Time [days]
were monitored during tests. The first five hours after Fig.8: The time dependent changes of Dynamic Young's Modulus of
preparation of specimens, they were tested approximately chosen six specimens
every 20 minutes. After five hours, the specimens were tested

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VI. DESTRUCTIVE METHODS - RESULTS TABLE III

st th COMPRESSION AND TENSION STRENGTH FROM DESTRUCTIVE
The specimens were tested from the 1 to the 6 month of TESTING
their hardening by destructive methods. At first, the specimens
were tested in three point bending test. In all sets (the moment Time Compression Standard Tension Standard
of testing), three specimens were tested in the measuring (days) strength deviation strength deviation
equipment. Compression tests were realized using the (MPa) (MPa)
fragments from bending tests. The results from three-point 0.041 3.02 0.526 1.81 0.101
bending tests are displayed in Fig. 9. 0.0625 3.65 0.088 - -
0.125 3.01 0.052 1.61 0.122
Tension strength - evolution 0.25 2.31 0.348 1.43 0.085
0.375 2.21 0.042 1.32 0.030
4,5 1 1.86 0.225 1.17 0.040
4
2 1.94 0.141 1.12 0.044
3,5
Tension strength (MPa)

3 2.63 0.103 1.42 0.128

3
4 2.18 0.065 1.13 0.057
2,5
7 3.47 0.752 1.51 0.109
2
1,5
14 9.42 0.321 4.07 0.449
1
180 9.62 0.685 3.58 0.354
0,5

0 Compression strength was stabilized between 9.42 MPa and

0,01 0,1 1 10 100 1000 9.62 MPa in age from the 14th to the 180th day. From the 5th
Time (days)
day the compression strength steeply increased to 9.42 MPa at
Fig.9: Tension strength and its evolution in time. the 14th day. Compression strength decreased in the first days
like tension strength (Fig. 10 and Fig. 11).
It is possible to see in the graph decreasing trend during the Compression strength - evolution
first 3 days. The tension strength quickly increased between
12
the 5th and the 14th day. After the 14th day, the values of
tension strength stabilized at values in the range from 3.6 MPa 10
to 4.1 MPa. A rapid increasing trend of tension strength is
8
Strength (MPa)

interesting to compare with evolution of the weight of

specimens (Fig. 10). 6

4
Evolution of specimen weight
2

0,45
0
0,4 0,01 0,1 1 10 100 1000
0,35 Time (days)
0,3
Weight (kg)

0,25
Fig.11: Compression strength and its evolution in time.
0,2
0,15 Modulus of Elasticity
0,1

0,05 4

0 3,5
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)

0,1 1 10 100 1000

3
Time (days)
2,5
Fig.10: Evolution of the specimen weight in time.
2 Řada1

th th 1,5
Between the 5 and the 14 day specimens quickly dry out.
Tension and compression strength increased (Fig. 11) in the 1

identical time. The results of compression and tension testing 0,5

are summarized in the Table III. Strengths are supplemented 0
by standard deviation of sets of data. Measurement in the time 0 5 10 15
instant 1hour and 30minutes after mixing water and gypsum Time (day)

was not realized. Fig.12: Evolution of Young's Modulus of grey calcined gypsum.

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VII. CREEP TESTS - RESULTS Grey gypsum, No. 4, creep

Second set of specimens was tested in lever mechanisms 25

[14]. One set of specimens, which included 6 specimens, was

used for testing. Three specimens were loaded by weight of 20

part of a lever mechanism. Next three specimens were loaded

Deformation (*0,001)
by plumbs, placed on the lever. All specimens were 14 days 15

old, when the tests started. Specimens maturing process

continued in laboratory conditions at temperature 20 °C and 10

relative humidity 50 %. Specimens were covered by plastic

5
wrap before start of creep test.
Table IV describes deformations from testing of creep and
0
shrinkage. Data are displayed for the 37th day after starting the 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

tests. Time (days)

The evolution of deformation of 6 specimens in time is

Grey gypsum, No. 5, creep
displayed in 6 graphs in Fig. 13.
25
Grey gypsum, No. 1,shrinkage

20 20

18

Deformation (*0,001)
16 15
Deformation (*0,001mm)

14

12 10

10
5
8

6
0
4
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
2 Time (days)

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Grey gypsum, No. 6, creep
Time (days)

16
Grey gypsum, No. 2, shrinkage
14
Deformation (*0,001mm)

25 12

10
20
8
Deformation (*0,001)

6
15
4

10 2

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
5
Time (days)

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Fig.13: Creep of gray gypsum specimens.
Time (days)

Evolution of temperature
Grey gypsum, No. 3, shrinkage
22
20
21
18

16 20
Temperature (°C)
Deformation (*0,001mm)

14
19
12

10 18

8 17

6
16
4

2 15
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
0 Time (days)
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Time (days)
Fig.14: Temperature during the creep test.

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The trend of increasing the specimen deformation can be times higher than strength in bending tension. Trend of relation
seen in the graphs. Rate of increased deformation was steady between strengths is visible during the hardening of gypsum.
after the 4th day. The deformation increased faster for more Noted, that the samples were placed freely in a laboratory
loaded specimens (No. 4 – 6) than for specimens loaded only condition with average temperatures 25 °C and relative
by weight of the lever. In case of exclusion of specimen No.6, humidity 50 %.
difference between deformations of the first and the second If we look on evolution of monitored properties of the
sets is only 3 μm (Table IV). investigated gypsum binder in detail, it is evident from the
Temperature in laboratory was between 19 and 20 °C but in Fig. 2 that the gypsum setting starts seven minutes after mixing
Fig. 8 it is possible to see deviations from steady value of water with gypsum and the setting process of the gypsum paste
temperature. Temperature deviation was the influencing factor (in our case with water/gypsum ratio 0.71) is finished after ten
for deviations of deformations (Fig. 14). minutes. The preparation of one set of samples (3 samples with
dimensions 40×40×160 mm) - filling the forms and smoothing
TABLE IV the upper faces of beams – takes approximately 4 minutes.
DEFORMATION OF SPECIMENS AFTER 37 DAYS
Ten minutes after spillage the gypsum to the water, we can
suppose that the solid structure of the material is made –
Specimen Deformation
hardened gypsum, which is able to be minimally loaded.
(μm)
Twenty minutes after mixing the gypsum with water, it is
1 14.7
possible to take out beams from the form and work with them.
2 17.0
In this time, it was also possible to test investigated
3 15.9
mechanical properties using destructive and also non-
4 17,5 destructive methods. For example, from the results of the
5 19,2 strength determined from compression tests (Fig. 11) it is
6 12.4 visible that tested samples after 20 minutes have compressive
strength about 4 MPa. With respect to the obtained results,
then the decrease of the compressive strength occurs. After
VIII. CONCLUSIONS
two hours (time prescribed in standard), the mean value about
The changes of the Dynamic Young's Modulus in 3 MPa was measured for the compressive strength. In
dependence on time were presented in the first part of this comparison with standard two-hours values of samples made
paper. From the time dependence of the changes (Fig. 8), it is with water/gypsum ratio 0.81, for which the compressive
obvious that Dynamic Young's Modulus of gypsum specimens strength was 2.1 MPa, our measured values are higher. With
increases in time, especially during the first week. respect to the lower water/gypsum ratio, it was evident and
Nevertheless, differences between the Dynamic Young's expectable effect. In next time, all values of investigated
Moduli of the two sets of three specimens at the same time mechanical properties decreased. After about two days, all
instant are not negligible (Fig. 8). values of investigated mechanical properties started to
From the weight measurement of the specimens during the increase. The most values of strengths were not changing after
time, it results that specimens dried differently. Therefore the 14 days and were the same as strengths after 28 days.
graphs of the changes of the Dynamic Young's Moduli of the Creep of dry gypsum is measurable and its values are
specimens in dependence on their weight were made (Fig. 7). relatively low. Sensitivity of gypsum on changes of
From these graphs, it results that the Dynamic Young's Moduli temperature is visible from results of creep tests.
of the specimens increases especially at the end of their drying. The fact, that evolution of the mechanical properties of the
From the results of the static tests, it results that values of hardened gypsum is depending on different conditions, was
mechanical properties of the gypsum started to increase proved unambiguously by two independent methods for
especially after four days of hardening and they stabilized after determination of Young's Modulus, static one by destructive
14 days. Important influence to the hardening of gypsum is method and dynamic one by non-destructive method.
included in saturation of mature gypsum. In the comparison of The influence of moisture on mechanical properties of
the dried specimens with the saturated specimens, it is evident structural pores materials is known generally. In our case, it
adverse influence of moisture to the strength (compressive and was unambiguously proved in Fig. 7.
tensile) of gypsum. Paper describes the case when moisture of If we suppose that our samples were put to the place with
specimens was non-regulated. Amount of evaporated water constant temperature and humidity but the samples are placed
was not controlled. Part of water was used to chemical reaction too close, it is still important to answer two questions: How
of the gypsum and the second part was evaporated from the does the time dependence of the mechanical properties look
material. Process of evaporation of water from hardened like? How does moisture influence these parameters?
gypsum is viewable from Figure 9, 10 and 11. Water leaves The decrease of the investigated mechanical properties of
the specimen in time and the strength of the material slowly the samples after the 1st and the 2nd days could be related to the
increases to the expected value of the strength of the material. final creation of the inner structure of the material but
Compression strength of mature gypsum is approximately 2.5

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 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICS

unambiguous confirmation of these conclusions we do not Phosphorgypsum”, Cement and Concrete Research, 12, 2005, pp.
1601-1608.
have at present time. [8] D. Klein, C. von Ruffer, “Grundlagen zur Herstellung von Formengips“,
One way, how to separate influence of time and moisture Keramische Zeitschrift, 49, 1997, pp. 275-281.
during monitoring of evolution of mechanical properties of [9] A. Ghozh, A. Samdi, Moussa et al, “Lightened Plaster – Based
gypsum samples, is transparent definition of conditions of Composite Materials”, Elaboration and Mechanical Propertie, Silicat
Industry, vol.66, 5-6, 2001, pp. 61-66.
sample storage during or immediately after hydratation of the [10] E. Tazawa, “Effect of Self-Stress on Flexural Strength of Gypsum-
gypsum paste to the hardened gypsum. For example, if Polymer Composites”, Advanced Cement Based Materials, 7, 1998, pp.
samples will be put into the water bath immediately after 1-7.
[11] R. F. Acker, “Physical Testing of Gypsum Board per ASTM C 473”,.
taking them out of the form, the influence of the changing The Chemistry and Technology of Gypsum, Philadelphia: American
moisture will be eliminated. Then the changes of mechanical Society for Testing and Materials, 1984, pp. 3-21.
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constant value, e.g. 40 °C, the process of evaporation of free Specimen, Acta Mechanica Slovaka 3/99, pp. 133–136.
[14] P. Padevět, “Measuring of Creep of Cement Paste Specimen”,
water from the gypsum samples will be several times
Proceedings of the 2nd WSEAS International Conference on Applied
accelerated and the conditions of storage of the samples will Mathematics, Simulation, Modeling (ASM’09), Athens, Greece, 2009,
be unambiguously defined. pp. 33-39.
The problem of the samples storage in the exactly defined [15] J. Li, I. Alatli-Kut, L. Hermansson, “High-Strength Dental Gypsum
Prepared by Cold Isostatic Pressing.”, Biomaterials, 15, 1993, pp.
conditions is also concerned to concrete samples, which are 1186-1187.
stored in the water bath after their preparation, where the [16] ČSN 72 2301. Gypsum binders – Classification, general technical
conditions of their storage are unambiguously defined. In the specifications and test methods, Czech standard (in Czech), Bureau for
Normalization and Measurement, Prague 1979. 17 p.
standard [16] about gypsum, according which we prepared [17] A. Colak, “Density and Strength Characteristics of Foamed Gypsum.”,
samples, there are not unambiguously defined storage Cement and Concrete Composites, Vol. 22, 2000, pp. 193-200.
conditions and even though we satisfied all conditions [18] J. C. Rubio-Avalos, A. Manzano-Ramírez, J. G. Luna-Bárcenas,
“Flexural Behavior and Microstructure Analysis of Gypsum-SBR
prescribed in standard, the speed of evaporation was different Composite Material”, Materials Letters, Vol. 59, 2005, pp. 230-233
for different samples. [19] ASTM C215, Standard Test Method for Fundamental Transverse,
The next possibility of verification and approximation of the Longitudinal, and Torsional Resonant Frequencies of Concrete
exact processes inside the structure of the hardened gypsum, Specimens, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, American Society for
Testing and Materials, 1991
which have influence on mechanical properties, could be [20] ASTM E1876-01, Standard Test Method for Dynamic Young’s
storage of the samples older than 28 days in the water bath. Modulus, Shear Modulus, and Poisson’s Ratio by Impulse Excitation
Comparison of experimental results obtained by different of Vibration, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, American Society for
Testing and Materials, 2006
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beneficial and in many cases it can find mistakes, which can and Torsional Resonant Frequencies of Vibration of Prisms and
occur during evaluation of material properties, especially if the Cylinders”, Proceedings ASTEA, American Society for Testing and
Materials, Vol. 45 (1945), pp. 846-863
conditions are changing during measurement, e.g. conditions [22] R. Pernicová, M. Pavlíková “Comparison of Mechanical Properties of
of the placement of the samples, which influence the content of Modified Plaster with Different Grained Lime Binder”, Proceedings of
moisture in the samples. Especially, it is important for the 5th WSEAS International Conference on Applied and Theoretical
Mechanics - RECENT ADVANCES IN APPLIED AND
determination of material properties of porous materials.
THEORETICAL MECHNICS. Athens: WSEAS Press, 2009, p. 25-28.
[23] M. Alfono, L. Pagnotta, G. Stigliano, “Measurement of the elastic
modulus of ceria yttria co-stabilized zirconia coatings”, Proceedings of
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