A FRACTAL-BASED APPROACH TO THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED AGGREGATE CONCRETES

Abstract

The mechanical properties of porous concrete, such as strength and durability, are significantly influenced by moisture transport, particularly in the case of recycled aggregate concretes. The pore distribution and pore size of the concrete, as well as the ambient temperature in the surrounding environment, exert a significant influence on the moisture transport. This paper establishes the fractal Fick’s law, the fractal Darcy law, and the fractal Richards equation. In conclusion, a fractal model for the diffusion and permeability in porous concrete is established. This study examines the mechanisms of moisture diffusion and water permeability in concrete. The comparison of the theoretical prediction with the experimental data indicates a high degree of congruence, thereby suggesting that the concrete’s relative humidity response can be predicted by the established model. This provides a foundation for the optimal design of concrete with required mechanical properties in special applications.