Numerical simulation of moisture transport in concrete based on pore size distribution

Author(s): Q. H. Huang, B. H. Guo, Z. L. Jiang, X. L. Gu, W. P. Zhang
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the Seventh International Conference on Concrete under Severe Conditions – Environment and Loading
Editor(s): Z.J. Li, W. Sun, C.W. Miao, K.Sakai, O.E. Gjørv, N.Banthia
ISBN: 978-2-35158-124-7
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-134-6
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2013
Pages: 284-293
Total Pages: 10
Language : English

Abstract: Moisture transport has a significant influence on the process of concrete deterioration including concrete carbonation and chloride penetration. Since moisture transports through pores of concrete, pore structure actually determines isotherms and transport rates directly. This paper presents a numerical approach for predicting moisture transport in concrete based on pore size distribution. Adsorption isotherm was calculated according to thermodynamic theory assuming pores of concrete were cylindrical. Water vapour and liquid water permeability were taken as the integrations of transport coefficients of pores with radius smaller and larger than the critical radius respectively. Moisture transport experiment was conducted to verify the proposed approach. The pore size distribution of concrete used in the simulation was tested by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The numerical results had good match with the tested results at the positions with different distances from the surfaces of concrete specimens under drying and wetting conditions.

Online publication : 2013
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00