The use of computerized tomography (CT) and image processing for evaluation of the properties of foam concrete produced with different content of foaming agent and aggregate

Abstract

This study measures the impact of foaming agent and aggregate content in foam concrete mixes by conducting a series of tests on material properties as well as pore formation by using micro-Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning and image processing technique. This technique allows measuring the porosity fraction of porous materials and foam concretes to comparatively evaluate the experimental versus the image processed porosity of the samples. Based on the results, it is found that the increase in aggregate content can exponentially reduce the pore connectivity of foams and enhance their physical and mechanical properties. Additionally, the proposed CT scanning and image processing approach is a proof-of-concept over the use of 3D modeling. This is done with a specific tool-kit and the results prove suitability of image processing techniques in accurately measuring pore content in foam concrete samples. Suggestions for future studies are also provided and discussed at the end of the manuscript.