Applicability of fractal models for characterising pore structure of hybrid basalt–polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete

Abstract The pore-structure characteristics of hybrid basalt–polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete were investigated by using mercury intrusion porosimetry. The applicability of various fractal models in characterising the HBPRC pore structure was compared. The results show that the types and content of fibres show different influences on the cumulative pore volume and fractal characteristics of hybrid basalt-polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete. Compared with pore-volume and solid mass, the fractal characteristics of pore surface area of hybrid basalt-polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete is more significant. Furthermore, the pore-surface fractal model that established based on the energy conservation relationship during mercury intrusion is more accurate and effective for the characterization of fractal dimension of hybrid basalt-polypropylene fibre-reinforced concrete. The research results can provide important theoretical guidance for the study of pore structure and fractal characteristics of fibre-reinforced concrete.