Applications of Scanning Electron Microscopy in Cement and Concrete Petrography


Book Description

Due to its high resolution and analytic capabilities, scanning electron microscopy with image analysis provides several advantages in cement and concrete petrography. When combined with computer-based image analysis, scanning electron microscopy generates quantifiable images using its imaging capabilities of phase composition, its ability to image imaging element spatial distribution, and its chemical analysis capabilities. Applications of scanning electron microscopy in petrography of cementitious materials is illustrated by analyses of clinker, cement, and concrete microstructures, and in the characterization of concretes damaged by alkali-silica and sulfate attack.










Concrete Petrography


Book Description

This classic reference has established the value of petrography as a powerful method for the investigation of concrete as a material. It provides an authoritative and well-illustrated review of concrete composition and textures, including the causes of defects, deterioration, and failure that can be identified using a petrological microscope. This new edition is entirely revised and updated and also greatly extended to take account of new scientific developments and significant improvements in instrumentation and to reflect current laboratory working practices, as well as to reflect new understanding of the performance of concrete and related materials. Now in full color throughout, Concrete Petrography, Second Edition provides case study examples, with appropriate explanatory discussions and practical advice on selecting, handling and preparing specimens. It assists and guides the engineer, the trainee and the experienced petrographer in understanding the scientific evidence that is basic to petrographic analysis and so will lead to more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of problems in structural concrete. This book includes: Contributions in specialist areas by internationally recognized experts Explanation of computer techniques as an aid to petrography Full coverage of inspection, sampling, and specimen preparation New sections covering recent technological development of equipment Guidance on observation of cement and concrete mineralogy and microfabrics Discussion and illustrative examples of deterioration and failure mechanisms New work and guidance on the determination of water/cement ratio New color illustrations and micrographs throughout Thorough updating of standards, other authoritative publications, and references A fully revised, extended, and updated glossary of optical and other properties







Concrete Petrography


Book Description

This classic reference has established the value of petrography as a powerful method for the investigation of concrete as a material. It provides an authoritative and well-illustrated review of concrete composition and textures, including the causes of defects, deterioration, and failure that can be identified using a petrological microscope. This new edition is entirely revised and updated and also greatly extended to take account of new scientific developments and significant improvements in instrumentation and to reflect current laboratory working practices, as well as to reflect new understanding of the performance of concrete and related materials. Now in full color throughout, Concrete Petrography, Second Edition provides case study examples, with appropriate explanatory discussions and practical advice on selecting, handling and preparing specimens. It assists and guides the engineer, the trainee and the experienced petrographer in understanding the scientific evidence that is basic to petrographic analysis and so will lead to more accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of problems in structural concrete. This book includes: Contributions in specialist areas by internationally recognized experts Explanation of computer techniques as an aid to petrography Full coverage of inspection, sampling, and specimen preparation New sections covering recent technological development of equipment Guidance on observation of cement and concrete mineralogy and microfabrics Discussion and illustrative examples of deterioration and failure mechanisms New work and guidance on the determination of water/cement ratio New color illustrations and micrographs throughout Thorough updating of standards, other authoritative publications, and references A fully revised, extended, and updated glossary of optical and other properties




Pore Structure of Cement-Based Materials


Book Description

Pore Structure of Cement-Based Materials provides a thorough treatment of the experimental techniques used to characterize the pore structure of materials. The text presents the principles and practical applications of the techniques used, organized in an easy-to-follow and uncomplicated manner, providing the theoretical background, the way to anal




Cement Clinker Characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy


Book Description

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is becoming increasingly recognized as an important instrument for the study of portland cement clinker, cement, and concrete. Images of clinker surface topography are used to study particle size and shape, as well as fracture surface features. Microstructural features such as phase distribution and abundance are obtained by imaging polished surfaces. X-ray microanalysis provides qualitative and quantitative elemental composition and images of element distribution. Computer-based image analysis systems are used to process microscope images to enhance details (such as the separation of individual phases) and image analysis for the measurement of features (such as phase abundance). The linking of the SEM with X-ray microanalysis and image analysis under computer control will provide automated, quantitative, and consistent analysis of portland cement clinker.







Concrete Petrography


Book Description

In the second part of the book, the chemical, the mineralogical composition and the microfabrics of concretes and related materials are discussed. An illustrated guide to the features that can be observed and identified using a petrological microscope is given. There is an extensive review of the defects, deterioration and failures which can occur in concrete together with the observations and petrographic evidence relating to them. Extensive use has been made of illustrative examples in colour which together with appropriate discussion will assist the engineer as well as both the trainee and experienced petrographer in understanding the nature of the evidence which is basic to petrographic analysis. An extensive glossary of optical and other properties of minerals found in concretes completes this practical handbook.