Abstract
The interfacial transition zone (ITZ), existing between the cement matrix and aggregates, is commonly viewed as a weak link for its highly porous microstructure. Enormous research has been conducted experimentally, analytically, and numerically on ITZ from the aspects of its forming mechanisms and influencing factors. In this paper, the effect of fine aggregate size on the formation of ITZ was investigated as well as the overlapping of ITZ between adjacent aggregate particles. Four mortar mixes were prepared with varying fine aggregate sizes. Via quantitative analysis on the backscattered electron image (BSE), the porosity and thickness of the ITZ was experimentally determined. Nearest surface function was further introduced to calculate the volume fraction of the ITZ based on the obtained thickness. Also, the inflection point for overlapping was roughly estimated from the differential volume fraction distribution curve of ITZ. The spacing factor between adjacent aggregate particles was defined and numerically calculated, which was further compared with value of ITZ thickness and inflection point for overlapping to understand the role of aggregate size on the overlapping phenomenon of ITZ.
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