Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 8(2), pp. 77 - 83
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2020.080205
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Microstructure Model for Predicting the Sorptivity of Concrete Mixtures

Fayez Moutassem ^*
Department of Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates

ABSTRACT

Durability of concrete structures is determined by the mass transport properties of concrete. The performance of concrete exposed to aggressive environments is a function mainly of the penetrability of the pore structure i.e. the rate of absorption (sorptivity) due to capillary rise. This study involves the development of a predictive sorptivity microstructure model accounting for the type of cement, cement degree of hydration, mixtures proportion, aggregates gradation and packing density, and air content. This paper presents the formulation and validation of a sorptivity model. An experimental program is designed to evaluate the proposed model. Evaluation of the proposed model revealed that the model is a good fit to the experimental data and does not contain outliers or discerning pattern. The corresponding standard error and correlation coefficient are 0.00039 mm/s^1/2 and 0.89, respectively. Results of statistical evaluation revealed that the proposed model is significant in its prediction of the outcome, where the p-value was found to be less than 0.001. The proposed predictive sorptivity model can be employed in the design of concrete mixtures to meet specific durability requirements as a priority and ensure quality control. Furthermore, the proposed model can be utilized to improve the durability prediction of concrete mixtures.

KEYWORDS
Concrete, Sorptivity, Absorption, Water Penetration, Durability, Packing Density, Porosity, Transport Properties

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Fayez Moutassem , "Microstructure Model for Predicting the Sorptivity of Concrete Mixtures," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 8, No. 2, pp. 77 - 83, 2020. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2020.080205.

(b). APA Format:
Fayez Moutassem (2020). Microstructure Model for Predicting the Sorptivity of Concrete Mixtures. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 8(2), 77 - 83. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2020.080205.