Title: A new evolution model of concrete porosity under continuous hydration

Authors: Lan-zhen Yu; Jian-kang Chen

Addresses: The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Ningbo University, Fenghua Road 818, Ningbo 315211, China; Department of Architectural Engineering, Ningbo Polytechnic, Ningbo 315800, China ' The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Ningbo University, Fenghua Road 818, Ningbo 315211, China

Abstract: Pore structure is an important micro-structure of concrete. The mechanical properties, such as strength, stiffness, as well as durability, significantly depend on the pore structure. In this study, evolution of pore structure of concrete after curing for 28 days was analysed by the mercury PoreMaster experimental method. The test was performed for 209 days. Variation in mass of concrete was detected by weight method. The results revealed that the average pore diameter, most probable pore size, the total pore volume, and porosity decrease while mass increases in the continuous hydration process. According to chemical reaction of cement hydration, as well as related reaction rate, the differential equations on the evolution of mass and porosity were derived, and a new evolution model of porosity was then suggested.

Keywords: concrete porosity; mercury PoreMaster; pore structure; evolution modelling; continuous hydration; microstructure; strength; stiffness; durability; cement hydration; differential equations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIC.2016.081147

International Journal of Modelling, Identification and Control, 2016 Vol.26 No.4, pp.345 - 352

Received: 12 Nov 2015
Accepted: 25 Jan 2016
Published online: 24 Dec 2016 *

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