Factors Influencing Permeability
The research team, led by Ming Wen and Lianjuan Miao, systematically analyzed the hierarchical pore architecture of concrete. Their findings indicate that the intensity of the gas slippage effect is driven by specific structural characteristics rather than total porosity, which showed a negligible correlation with slippage.
Key experimental observations include:
- Water-to-binder ratio: Increasing this ratio enhances the slippage factor by improving the connectivity of the pore network.
- Coarse aggregates: The presence of these materials promotes slippage, largely due to the effects occurring within the interfacial transition zone.
- Environmental moisture: Humidity-induced variations within the pore network play a critical role in governing gas transport behavior.
These insights provide a more nuanced understanding of how concrete behaves under varying environmental conditions. By clarifying the mechanisms behind gas slippage, the study offers a foundation for more accurate gas transport modeling, which is essential for assessing the long-term durability of cementitious structures.
The research was supported by the Guangxi Natural Science Foundation and the Doctoral Fund Project of Guangxi University of Science and Technology.
