Equipment to image capillary pores and micro-cracks in concrete

混凝土结构过早劣化是一个世界性的重大问题。混凝土不可避免地是微孔的，所有的主要劣化过程都是由外部物质渗透到混凝土中控制的。帝国理工学院的混凝土耐久性小组希望开发：a)更好地理解退化过程；b)更耐用的材料；以及c)预测长期行为的模型。在这些研究领域中的每一个领域，专家组的工作都将得到极大的加强，因为有能力(以适当的比例)对控制渗透的气孔和微裂缝进行成像。初步工作已经确定了两种结合使用的技术，将使这一点成为可能。这些是场发射扫描电子显微镜中的2D背散射电子成像和激光扫描共聚焦显微镜中的3D荧光成像。这项提议是为了提供必要的设备，外加12个月的研究助理时间，以开发用于当前和未来研究项目的技术。

The premature deterioration of concrete structures is a major worldwide problem. Concrete is inevitably micro-porous and all of the main deterioration processes are controlled by penetration of external species into the concrete. The Concrete Durability Group at Imperial College wishes to develop: a) an improved understanding of deterioration processes; b) more durable materials; and c) models to predict long-term behaviour. In each of these research areas, the Group's work would be greatly strengthened by having the capability to image (at the appropriate scale), the pores and micro-cracks controlling penetration.Preliminary work has identified two techniques, which used in combination, will enable this. These are 2D backscattered electron imaging in a field emission scanning electron microscope and 3D fluorescent imaging in a laser scanning confocal microscope. This proposal is for the provision of the necessary equipment plus 12 months of research assistant time to develop techniques for use in current and future research projects.