Micro- and meso-scale pore structure in mortar in relation to aggregate content

Journal Article · Tue Oct 15 00:00:00 EDT 2013 · Cement and Concrete Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEMCONRES.2013.05.011· OSTI ID:22220815

Gao, Yun ^[1]; De Schutter, Geert ^[1]; Ye, Guang ^[1]

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1. Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Ghent University, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 904, B-9052 Ghent (Belgium)

Mortar is often viewed as a three-phase composite consisting of aggregate, bulk paste, and an interfacial transition zone (ITZ). However, this description is inconsistent with experimental findings because of the basic assumption that larger pores are only present within the ITZ. In this paper, we use backscattered electron (BSE) imaging to investigate the micro- and meso-scale structure of mortar with varying aggregate content. The results indicate that larger pores are present not only within the ITZ but also within areas far from aggregates. This phenomenon is discussed in detail based on a series of analytical calculations, such as the effective water binder ratio and the inter-aggregate spacing. We developed a modified computer model that includes a two-phase structure for bulk paste. This model interprets previous mercury intrusion porosimetry data very well. -- Highlights: •Based on BSE, we examine the HCSS model. •We develop the HCSS-DBLB model. •We use the modified model to interpret the MIP data.

• OSTI ID: 22220815
• Journal Information: Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 52; Other Information: Copyright (c) 2013 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved.; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0008-8846
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
ELECTRONS
MERCURY
MORTARS
PORE STRUCTURE
WATER