Laboratory X-ray Tomography: A Valuable Experimental Tool for Revealing Processes in Soils

摘要: The use of high-resolution tomographic techniques has allowed for unprecedented observations and a renewed understanding geomaterials processes. A laboratory x-ray scanner is used to explore the potential technology in context complex geotechnical systems. Tests benefit from fast non-destructive nature measurements micrometer-scale resolution that attainable. Several first-time are reported here. In this paper we demonstrate following: subsurface volume loss sandy soils can cause formation sharply defined low-density pipes; cryogenic suction consolidates sediments next ice lenses during ground freezing; root growth involves transverse expansion, stress relaxation at tip facilitates further longitudinal invasion; blade insertion causes successive shear localizations; incipient desiccation cracks not necessarily along planar front—in fact, fracture plane may split as it encounters heterogeneities tip. Finally, shown x-rays be monitor chemical processes coupled mechanical effects, such osmotic consolidation induced by ionic diffusion mineral dissolution. Although brief events tomographically imaged, single radiographs analyzed compared gain extensive process information.