Fractal and Multifractal Analysis of Microscopic Pore Structure of UHPC Matrix Modified with Nano Silica

Abstract

Nano silica (NS) has been found to have a positive impact on enhancing the microporous structure of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC). However, there is a lack of effective methods to accurately characterize the regulatory improvement mechanism of NS on the pore structure of UHPC. In this study, our objective is to investigate the influence of NS on various characteristic parameters of the pore structure in UHPC, including porosity, average pore size, box fractal dimension, and multifractal spectral parameters. To analyze these effects, we employ a combination of X- CT image processing techniques and fractal theory. Furthermore, we conducted regression analysis using linear functions to explore the correlation between these parameters and the 28d compressive strength of UHPC. The experimental results demonstrate that NS promotes the refinement of matrix pore size, leading to a denser microstructure of the matrix. Fractal analysis revealed that the pore structure of NS-modified UHPC exhibited favorable fractal characteristics. The fractal dimension and multiple fractal parameters provided complementary insights into the pore structure of NS-modified UHPC from different perspectives. The fractal dimension described the global information, indicating that NS improved matrix defects and reduced the complexity of the pore structure. On the other hand, the multiple fractal parameters supplemented local information, highlighting how the increase in micropores contributed to the heterogeneity of the pore structure. The results of the correlation analysis indicate that the developed mathematical model has a good fit with the 28d compressive strength of UHPC.