Equipment to image capillary pores and micro-cracks in concrete

混凝土结构的过早劣化是一个世界性的重大问题。混凝土是不可避免的微孔和所有的主要劣化过程是由外部物种进入混凝土的渗透控制。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;和c）预测长期行为的模型。在每一个研究领域，如果能够对控制渗透的孔隙和微裂纹（按适当比例）进行成像，将大大加强专家组的工作。初步工作确定了两种技术，将其结合使用，将实现这一目标。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。这项建议是为了提供必要的设备和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.