A forest fire algorithm for predicting the percolation threshold of ITZs in concrete

Interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in concrete is characterized typically by its high porosity and therefore has a significant influence, particularly, on the transport properties of concrete. To study the transport mechanism of ions and fluids in concrete, it is essential to determine the percolation threshold of ITZs in concrete and to evaluate the effects of attributing factors on it. This paper presents a forest fire algorithm for the prediction of the percolation threshold of ITZs in concrete. Based on the simulated mesostructure of concrete with periodic boundary conditions, the ITZ percolation probability is determined numerically. The effect of the element size on the ITZ percolation probability is then discussed. Finally, the proposed numerical algorithm is verified with experimental results obtained from the research literature.