A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
3D imaging techniques for characterising microcracks in cement-based materials
Abstract Concrete inherently contains pores and microcracks that can adversely impact its mechanical properties and long-term durability. However, characterising microcracks is difficult due to their complex, multiscale and three-dimensional (3D) nature. This paper presents an evaluation of 3D imaging techniques for characterising microcracks induced by different mechanisms. Seven cement pastes, mortars and concretes subjected to drying shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage and freeze-thaw cycles were investigated using focused ion beam nanotomography (FIB-nt), broad ion beam serial section tomography (BIB-SST), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) combined with serial sectioning and X-ray microtomography (μCT). The study shows that the characteristics of microcracks vary significantly depending on exposure conditions. Yet there is no single technique that can capture the entire size range of microcracks from sub to tens of μm within a sufficiently representative sampling volume. The achievable image volume and resolution, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique are compared and discussed.
3D imaging techniques for characterising microcracks in cement-based materials
Abstract Concrete inherently contains pores and microcracks that can adversely impact its mechanical properties and long-term durability. However, characterising microcracks is difficult due to their complex, multiscale and three-dimensional (3D) nature. This paper presents an evaluation of 3D imaging techniques for characterising microcracks induced by different mechanisms. Seven cement pastes, mortars and concretes subjected to drying shrinkage, autogenous shrinkage and freeze-thaw cycles were investigated using focused ion beam nanotomography (FIB-nt), broad ion beam serial section tomography (BIB-SST), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) combined with serial sectioning and X-ray microtomography (μCT). The study shows that the characteristics of microcracks vary significantly depending on exposure conditions. Yet there is no single technique that can capture the entire size range of microcracks from sub to tens of μm within a sufficiently representative sampling volume. The achievable image volume and resolution, and the advantages and disadvantages of each technique are compared and discussed.
3D imaging techniques for characterising microcracks in cement-based materials
Mac, M.J. (author) / Yio, M.H.N. (author) / Desbois, G. (author) / Casanova, I. (author) / Wong, H.S. (author) / Buenfeld, N.R. (author)
2020-11-13
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Anomalous water absorption in cement-based materials caused by drying shrinkage induced microcracks
| British Library Online Contents | 2019
Anomalous water absorption in cement-based materials caused by drying shrinkage induced microcracks
| British Library Online Contents | 2019
| British Library Online Contents | 2000