Pore structure characteristics, modulation and its effect on concrete properties: A review

The porosity, pore distribution and morphology are important features of the concrete pore structure which may have a significant impact on the macroscopic mechanical properties and durability performance. In this paper, the relationship between the pore structure and the macroscopic mechanical properties is reviewed and the existing pore characterization methods are further evaluated. The key factors influencing the pore structure of the concrete, the modulation means, and the mechanisms affecting the performance are analyzed at multiple scales. In addition, the state of the art of the concrete pore structure research since 2018 is reported and discussed. Then, some suggestions on exploring the intrinsic link between the microscopic pore structure characteristics and the macroscopic concrete properties are provided.