Study of the prediction of the mechanical strength of concrete based on the fractal model of granular distribution

Abstract

• Paradigm based on the fractal model to study concrete, • Granular fractal-identification model, • Articulation with the excess paste theory, • Porosity of granular mixes concrete, • Specific surface of fines, including cement. Studies revealed that the grain size of concretes have a quasi-perfect fractal distribution of the total grain size. This enabled to identify the basic granular mixture and determine the porosity, based on the granular fractal-identification modulus “GFIM”, comprising the fractal dimension FD of the aggregate involved and the granular range D/d. The aim of this research work to shed new light on the prediction of concrete mechanical compressive strength and introduce a new approach the FD.log.(D/d) modulus. The approach adopted a two-phase concrete model, the first phase being the aggregate and the second phase referring the paste in powder (cement, water, mineral addition and possibly fines). Applying a reading array to experimental compiled results of more than 300 concretes selected from literature provided a clear correlation between the development of concrete compressive strength RC28. The approach thus a new and more instructive and controlling concretes performance on fractal basis.