Veerle Cnudde: Advanced high-resolution X-ray CT as a characterization tool to study building materials

Abstract: Fluid flow, mass transport, salt crystal distributions, dissolution and precipitation of minerals and micro-fractures propagation of are all important phenomena closely related to durability studies of building materials, such as natural stone, mortars and concrete. The study of these phenomena bears importance to a variety of real-world problems in our cultural heritage and new buildings. To fully comprehend the impact of these processes on our building materials, a good understanding of the underlying pore scale dynamics is vital. In this context, 4D pore-scale imaging offers new and exciting insights. Additionally, such datasets are very useful to complement modeling studies at this scale, both to identify the phenomena to be included in models as for validation purposes. We will present some advanced applications of fast in-situ, time-resolved imaging using our Environmental Micro-CT scanner (EMCT)(Bultreys et al., 2016). This scanner is designed for continuous scanning of objects undergoing dynamic processes. Therefore, the source-detector assembly rotates around the sample, similar to gantry-based medical or small-animal scanners, but with the added advantage of a variable magnification. We will demonstrate the possibilities this set-up offers and illustrate some dynamic processes in building materials acquired in-situ in a lab environment.
Acknowledgements:
The UGent expertise Centre UGCT (Grant Code BOF.EXP.2017.00007.01) and its entire team are acknowledged.
References:
Bultreys, T., Boone, M.A., Boone, M.N., De Schryver, T., Masschaele, B., Van Hoorebeke, L., Cnudde, V., 2016, Fast laboratory-based micro-computed tomography for pore-scale research: Illustrative experiments and perspectives on the future. Advances in Water Resources 95:341-351.