While this article illustrates what virtual testing is and the wide variety of cement and concrete properties that can be predicted and studied using virtual testing at this point in time, there are still 2 more years left in Phase II of the VCCTL consortium. Thus, there will be continuous improvement beyond what is described here. The computer modeling efforts of recent years have clearly pointed out the need for new materials characterization standards and test methods. The performance of the modeling depends critically on high-quality input about the materials in question. Quantitative standards of high quality are also required for the experimental validation of the computer models. The models can only be proved, disproved, and improved based upon comparison to carefully measured experimental results.
Advances in the use of polymers, metals, ceramics, and pharmaceutical materials have been driven by the development of sufficient understanding of materials science to help explain puzzling experimental results, to point the way to new experimentation not thought of previously, and to optimize the manufacture and use of materials. Theoretical (or virtual) understanding of such materials have given their designers a whole new level of control that has lead to improvements and new opportunities for further advancement. Virtual testing, the authors believe, can and will supply the same benefits for cement and concrete manufacturers and users.