X-ray computed tomography (CT) is a non-destructive technique that offers a 3D insight into the microstructure of thick (opaque) samples with virtually no preliminary sample preparation. Since its first medical application in 1973, the technique has improved dramatically in terms of acquisition times and resolution. The best resolution achievable for both parallel-and cone-beam setups is presently sub-micron. The macroscopic properties (stiffness, resistance, permeability, durability,. . .) of cementitious materials are known to be significantly affected by their multiscale microstructure. This calls for x-ray CT investigations of cementitious materials down to the smallest length-scales. The present review first provides background information on the technique (including image-processing). It then covers various applications of x-ray CT to cementitious materials: imaging of the porous network, durability experiments, damage experiments,… , cutting-edge nanotomography experiments. Current challenges such as time-and chemically-resolved experiments are also discussed.

中文翻译：

---

胶结材料的多尺度 X 射线断层扫描：综述

X 射线计算机断层扫描 (CT) 是一种非破坏性技术，可提供对厚（不透明）样品的微观结构的 3D 洞察，而几乎无需预先准备样品。自 1973 年首次应用于医学以来，该技术在采集时间和分辨率方面有了显着改进。目前，平行光束和锥形光束设置可达到的最佳分辨率是亚微米级。众所周知，胶结材料的宏观特性（刚度、阻力、渗透性、耐久性等）受其多尺度微观结构的显着影响。这需要对水泥材料进行 X 射线 CT 研究，直至达到最小的长度尺度。本综述首先提供了有关该技术（包括图像处理）的背景信息。然后涵盖了 X 射线 CT 在胶结材料上的各种应用：多孔网络成像、耐久性实验、损伤实验……、尖端纳米断层扫描实验。还讨论了当前的挑战，例如时间和化学分辨实验。