Experimental investigation on the influence of multiscale pores on the static and dynamic splitting tensile strength of cementitious materials based on the virtual pore method

Abstract

Mechanical properties of cementitious materials are closely related to their pore structures. The present study aims to determine the effect of pore size on the static and dynamic tensile strength of cementitious materials. Based on the virtual pore method, mortar samples with different porosity and pore size distribution were prepared, and their strength was measured. A series of models were proposed, which quantified the effect of pore size on static and dynamic splitting tensile strength and dynamic increase factor (DIF). It was revealed that pores with radii larger than 100 nm have a significant impact on strength. Specifically, pores with radii larger than 100 μm dominate the effect on static strength, while the pores with radii of 100 nm-100 μm dominate the effect on dynamic strength. At the same porosity, materials with larger pores tend to have a more pronounced rate effect and a higher DIF. The findings of this paper can be used as a reference for the design of cementitious materials.