Porosimetry by Random Node Structuring in Virtual Concrete

Abstract

Two different porosimetry methods are presented in two successive papers. Inspiration for the development came from the rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) approach used in robotics. The novel methods are applied to virtual cementitious materials produced by a modern concurrent algorithm-based discrete element modeling system, HADES. This would render possible realistically simulating all aspects of particulate matter that influence structure-sensitive features of the pore network structure in maturing concrete, namely size, shape and dispersion of the aggregate and cement particles. Pore space is a complex tortuous entity. Practical methods conventionally applied for assessment of pore size distribution may fail or present biased information. Among them, mercury intrusion porosimetry and 2D quantitative image analysis are popular. The mathematical morphology operator "opening" can be applied to sections and even provide 3D information on pore size distribution, provided isotropy is guaranteed. However, aggregate grain surfaces lead to anisotropy in porosity. The presented methods allow exploration of pore space in the virtual material, after which pore size distribution is derived from star volume measurements. In addition to size of pores their continuity is of crucial importance for durability estimation. Doublerandom multiple tree structuring (DRaMuTS), introduced earlier in this journal and random node structuring (RaNoS) provide such information.

Methodology for Porosimetry in Virtual Cementitious Composites to Economically and Reliably Estimate Permeability

“…11. A related discussion can also be found in Stroeven et al (2012b). This global intrinsic permeability level fluctuates for the given mixtures from 1.453e-16 m 2 to 3.562e-15 m 2 and 1.608e-15 m 2 , respectively.…”

Three‐dimensional morphological modelling of concrete using multiscale Poisson polyhedra

“…In other works, tomography images of cement and concrete have been used to extract and model aggregates by means of harmonic spherical functions (Garboczi & Bentz, ; Garboczi, ). Static or dynamic discrete element modelling, which mimics the packing process of particulate materials, are frequently used to model the dispersion of particles in highly dense materials like concrete (Stroeven et al ., , b).…”

Implementation of Numerical Mesostructure Concrete Material Models: A Dot Matrix Method

“…This approach is suitable to generate the star-shaped aggregate particles. Stroeven et al and Stroeven et al [29,30] developed a concurrent algorithm-based discrete element modeling system, HADES, to realistically simulate the packing of irregular-shape particles over the fully compacted state. However, to the best knowledge of the authors, an explicit and universal approach is still missing to place arbitrary-shape aggregates into a pre-defined container and detect overlapping state between the aggregates both efficiently and robustly.…”