Porosity of Concrete by Computed Tomography

S. Caliskan

Division of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences University of Dundee, Dundee, UK, DD1 4HN, Email: s.caliskan@dundee.ac.uk

ABSTRACT

Within the last decade, Computed Tomography (CT) scanning has served as an important non- destructive research tool by providing two- and three-dimensional images particularly in materials science, biology and medicine. This paper reports an example of its application in the area of civil engineering materials. An experimental study was carried out to examine the influence of location within column element on the strength and porosity characteristics of concrete by using both destructive (strength test) and non-destructive techniques (CT scanning, ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound hammer). Tests were conducted on the cores (100mm diameter and about 200mm long) obtained from 8.0m high with 0.5x0.5m cross-section of un-reinforced Fly Ash concrete column element. The results indicate that the cores from the upper part of the column exhibited more porous structure and lower rebound hammer and compressive strength values compared to those of cored specimens obtained from the lower part of the column.

Keywords CT Scanning, Concrete, Compressive Strength, Rebound Hammer, Porosity