Microhardness testing procedure applied to blended cement based matrix

In the paper a new method of determination of cement paste microhardeness is presented. It includes the procedure of systematic indentation with a Vickers tip and a statistical processing of population of obtained results. The tested specimens were cast with different kinds of blended cements, containing high calcium fly ash (HCFA) as one of major components. Differences in values of microhardeness obtained for six series of tested specimens mixes are discussed and compared with compressive strength of investigated materials.