Pore Structure Modeling Depending on Pore Diameter and Water Migration in a Microscopic Viewpoint

Abstract

Predicting pore structure is of great importance in concrete because pore properties are essential factors in its durability and structural performance. In this study, a pore structure model, coupled with water migration and hydration of cement and water, was constructed. A diffusion model depending on the pore diameter was also constructed by introducing a different pattern of water movement for each pore size to water migration in a microscopic view. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed models, the analytical results were compared with experimental results of the pore size distribution measured by gas adsorption and mercury intrusion methods. Additionally, the experimental and analytical results of water migration were compared to confirm the applicability of the diffusion model. The experimental and simulated results were revealed to be in close agreement, with the simulated results characterizing the pore structures of cement hydrates and water migration.