Papers by Author: J. Hu

Abstract: In this paper, a mathematic morphology measurement with the name of opening operation was applied to section images for the assessment of pore size distribution in cement pastes. This method is compared with other methods for characterising pore size distribution, including the experimental technique of mercury intrusion porosimetry, the conventional image analysis by area histogram and a direct approach by a simulation model. The comparison study reveals that the so-called opening distribution technique yields realistic structural information of pore size distribution in cement pastes. The proper characterisation of pore size distribution is of significant importance to permeability prediction of cementitious materials and thereby to durability studies of the materials.

Abstract: The computer simulation study of Portland cement blending confirmed the major mechanism to be size segregation in the Interfacial Transition Zones around the aggregate particles. Fine particles tend to move through the skeleton of larger particles towards the surface of the aggregate grains, improving local density. But the most interesting feature is a disproportionately larger internal bond capacity (based on van der Waals forces between nearby particles). In this contribution, we have isolated the mechanism of internal diffusion capacity of particles, on which blending efficiency relies, for a simulation study on the migration of fine sand articles into the network of coarse aggregate grains. The influences of technical parameters (including gap in size between fine sand and coarse aggregate, as well as the workability conditions) have been investigated on the migration capacity of fine sand particles. This paper will report briefly the outcomes of this computer simulation study on aggregate mix systems.