Visual & quantitative identification of cracking in mortar subjected to loads it using X-ray computed tomography method

Cracking is a major form of failure in cementitious materials. In this study, the cracking process in a mortar is non-destructively investigated using an in-situ X-ray computed tomography (XCT) method. A novel image processing method that allows for 3D visualization of the cracking process and for the distinction between pores and cracks is proposed to identify cracks inside concrete structures. With the proposed method, the fracture process in a mortar can be visualized, and quantitative information regarding the amount of solid, pores, and cracks inside the mortar can be obtained. Based on the experimental results, three fracture stages were observed: a compression stage, an expansion stage, and a cracking stage, which is consistent with the concrete compression failure process fracture theory.