Performance Assessment of Concrete: Meso-, Micro-, Nano-level, and Physio-chemical Analysis

Abstract

The effect of microstructural characteristics on the macro-mechanical properties of concrete has been the subject of research over the last few decades. In chapters “Macro-level Performance Assessment of Concrete: Conventional Approach” and “Macro-level Performance Assessment of Concrete: Experimental Fracture Analysis”, it was examined how the type of aggregates, mix design techniques, and mixing methodologies affected macro-mechanical properties, which are thought to also affect meso-, micro-, and nano-level characteristics. Therefore, the current chapter focuses on how the aforementioned parameters affect the features and degree of hydration at the microstructure and mesostructure level. Additionally, both the ITZ and the entire specimen’s pore content and distribution are examined. The impact of each of these micro- and meso-level variables on the macro-mechanical properties is then examined at various curing times.