Multiscale Investigation of Porosity Characteristic in Concrete Exposed to Acidic Environment

• Main Authors: Y. F. Fan, H. Y. Luan, S. Y. Zhang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hindawi Limited 2012-01-01
• Series: International Journal of Corrosion
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/923010

Porosity has a significant effect on the mechanical response of concrete. It is essential to well understand the relation between porosity characteristics inside the concrete with the damage process of concrete exposed to the aggressive environment. To simulate the acidic environment, the acid solutions with pH level of 1.5 and 2.5 were deposed by the mixture of the sulfate and nitric acid in the laboratory. Computed tomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the microstructures of concrete exposed to the acidic solution for the scheduled periods. Pore distribution and porosity ratio of concrete specimens suffering various damage processes are obtained. The CT digital images were analyzed by Pro-Plus software. The threshold value is suggested to identify the pore. The developments of pore structure and porosity ratio of the concrete samples are examined. The relation between the porosity characteristic and mechanical response of concrete is discussed.