In some porous media, such as mortar, reactions take place between the fluid (e.g. water) and the matrix material (e.g. cement). When combined with partially saturated conditions, this leads to highly nonlinear seepage, which may strongly affect the transport of secondary species through the material. In the context of mortar, transport of chloride ions are of particular interest. In this project, we combine XRCT-imaging and numerical modeling to describe these complex phenomena.
Using high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (XRCT) combined with numerical modelling, realistic crack geometries are analyzed directly at the microscopic scale, enabling the evaluation of permeability and diffusion within evolving crack networks. By linking microstructural crack characteristics and healing mechanisms to macroscopic durability performance.
In cold climate, freeze-thaw cycles can lead to degredation of porous building materials, requiring costly maintenace and shortening the lifetime of structures. Combining X-ray CT with in-situ testing and numerical modeling helps to understand these processes and design more durable materials.