2D-fractal based logics and computing architecture for the characterization of concrete fine and ultrafine particles

The strong increase of structural and architectonic specifications, requires more and more the need to reduce construction costs, assuring at the same time manufact durability. In this perspective continuous improvement have to be made in the construction sector adopting new techniques and materials, particularly with reference to cement and concrete. An innovative approach is proposed to detect and quantify the overall attributes of fine and ultrafine particles, currently utilized as "additives" in concrete manufacturing, and to establish possible correlations existing between the detected attributes of these particles and final concrete characteristics and behavior, strongly affecting the physical and mechanical properties of the final manufactured goods. The work was developed with the aim to analyze fine particles resulting from different processes and characterized by different morphological and morphometrical attributes and surface characteristics. The proposed approach is based on a 2D-fractal analysis of particles population acquired as digital images. The procedure allows to perform a full measurement and control of fine particles characteristics and behavior, starting from the evaluation of statistical fractal parameters, according to particles topological assessment on a flat surface. The work was carried out to develop and implement a reliable and simple tool able to establish a correlation between fine particles characteristics, detected by the proposed logic, and those usually extracted utilizing classic methods (e.g. morphological, morphometrical, rheological analyses, etc.).