Advances in X-ray Computed Tomography for the Characterization of Cementitious Materials

Presented By: David Lange, University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) has gained popularity as a characterization technique for cementitious materials because it is non-invasive, non-destructive, and produces three dimensional reconstructions of samples allowing for a unique view of microstructure. Recent advances have increased the resolution capability and speed of data acquisition. The advantages and limitations in lab-based and synchrotron XCTs are demonstrated via case studies. In the first case study XCT is used for the characterization of cellular concrete microstructure, showing advances in the quantification of both bulk volumetric properties and individual features. The distribution of phases in hydrated portland cement paste showing advances in micro-scale resolution and phase detection were the focus of case study two. In the third study advances in XCT technology for detection of deterioration of alkali-silica reaction was examined. These three case studies demonstrate how XCT technology is useful for investigations of a wide range of properties related to cementitious materials.