Pore Connectivity and Arrangement in Additively Manufactured Cementitious Material (2026-03)¶

Pore network in additively manufactured cementitious materials often exhibits preferential alignment and interconnectivity, leading to anisotropic performance. However, quantifying three-dimensional pore connectivity remains challenging due to absence of robust metrics that capture directional connectivity. This study introduces two complementary approaches: (i) pore phase spatial distribution analysis, which quantifies direction-dependent pore arrangement, and (ii) pore projection analysis, which probes connectivity in three orthogonal directions. Using Micro-CT and image-based analysis, 3D-printed cement paste specimens with varied filament overlaps are examined. While higher filament overlap reduces total porosity, a significant anisotropy in pore connectivity persists despite the increase in overlap between the filaments. Comparison between two methods demonstrates that while pore phase spatial distribution analysis along X, Y, and Z can capture pore, the pore projection analysis provides the extent of isolated pore pockets along three orthogonal directions. Together, these methods provide a framework for quantifying pore morphology and connectivity in 3D-printed and heterogeneous cementitious materials.