Connectivity of individual phase in cement paste and their impact on the concrete properties

Cement hydration system is a disorder and multiphase system where individual phase (briefly categorized as solid phase and pore phase) changes with time. In this paper, the connectivity of individual phase in hydrating cement paste is studied. The percolation phenomenon of solid phase and the de-percolation of capillary porosity are emphasized. Their impacts on the concrete properties are discussed as well. It was found at the percolation threshold of solid phase is strongly correlated with the setting of cement paste. The connectivity and the de-percolation threshold of capillary pores determine the water permeability. Based on these observation and, thanks to the advanced cement hydration and microstructure simulation model, the desired concrete properties are therefore can be designed by manipulating the mix components and proportion.