X-RAY MICRO-TOMOGRAPHY CHARACTERIZATION OF VOIDS CAUSED BY THREE-POINT BENDING IN SELECTED ALKALI-ACTIVATED ALUMINOSILICATE COMPOSITE

Abstract

This paper deals with the pilot characterization of a special alkali-activated aluminosilicate composite composed of waste brick powder, brick rubble and a solution of potassium water glass. Fracture tests were conducted on the specimens via three-point bending and fracture parameters were evaluated. Selected specimen was investigated using micro-tomography to supplement the results with visual information about the inner structure of this newly designed material before and after the mechanical loading. Tomographic measurements and image processing were conducted for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of changes in the internal structure with an emphasis on the calculation of porosimetric parameters and visualization of the fracture surface. Fractal dimension of fracture surface was estimated.