Fractal Geometry-based Porosity Analysis of Cementitious Composite Material Using Wollastonite Under Freeze-thaw Condition

Abstract

Low porosity is very significant for cementitious composite materials (CCM) under freeze-thaw conditions. To reduce the porosity of CCM, we used wollastonite mineral fibers as a partial replacement for cement and aggregate. The five combinations, in which 10%, 32%, and 48% Wollastonite were added, were made for scanning using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and computed tomography scan technology (CT). Then, the 2D SEM pictures and the 3D pore distribution curves are obtained before and after the freezing and thawing processes, where the micro-pores in the CCM materials are shown. The fractal dimension is used to quantify the topography image in two dimensions, as well as the pore distribution in three dimensions. This method allows for the determination of both surface porosity and volume porosity, both of which show an increase in response to an escalation of freeze-thaw cycles. It is also found that the micro-damage in the concrete is of self-similarity, and in the context of the fractal dimension, the pore evolution can be quantitatively characterized across different sizes, ranging from local to global levels, before and after freezing and thawing.

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