Microstructure – macro property model proposal

A relationship between the microstructure formation and compressive strength of cement mortars has been established within this study. Microstructure properties such as pore area ratio, total pore length, total dendrite length and average roundness of pore phases were determined by microstructural investigations. In addition, the hydrated part area, calcium hydroxide phase area and unhydrated part area ratios were calculated based on image analysis. Six parameters (pore area ratio, total pore length, total dendrite length, average roundness, hydrated part area ratio and unhydrated part area ratio) were correlated to the compressive strength values of different mixtures. Multiple linear regression investigations indicated that determination of only two parameters (total dendrite length and hydrated part area ratio) is sufficient enough to represent the relationship of microstructural formation–compressive strength confidently. This analysis indicates that the connected channel system of pore phase is more effective on strength than the amount of pore phase.