Active and non-active porosity in concrete Part I: Experimental evidence

Abstract

The findings of an experimental study are described, documenting and quantifying the influence of concrete porosity on its mechanical properties in saturated and dry states. Concrete porosity consists of capillary and entrained air, and described respectively as active and non-active, depending on its influence on mechanical properties with changing moisture state. It was found that the active (capillary) porosity influence on mechanical properties is more pronounced with decreasing moisture. The influence of non-active (entrained-air) porosity on concrete mechanical properties is invariant of moisture state.