X-Ray Tomography Applications in Cementitious Materials

X-ray tomography has emerged as a transformative, non-destructive technique for characterising the internal architecture of cementitious materials in three dimensions. By reconstructing volumetric datasets at scales ranging from sub-micrometre to millimetre, researchers can resolve pore networks, hydrate phases, aggregate–paste interfaces and embedded reinforcement with unprecedented clarity. Time-lapse or four-dimensional imaging allows in situ monitoring of hydration dynamics, microcrack initiation and propagation under mechanical or environmental loading. Combined with advanced segmentation algorithms and machine-learning approaches, X-ray tomography facilitates quantitative analysis of porosity, phase distribution and fibre orientation, thereby linking microstructure to macroscopic performance. These insights underpin the optimisation of mix designs, durability assessment and the development of novel binders, cement replacements and fibre-reinforced composites, with implications for sustainable construction and infrastructure resilience worldwide.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have applied high-resolution X-ray tomography to directly visualise the nanoscale pore networks within calcium–silicate–hydrate phases, revealing hierarchical connectivity that governs transport and mechanical stiffness. Time-resolved investigations have tracked the evolution of pore geometry and degree of hydration during the first 48 hours of curing, quantifying shrinkage and heterogeneous reaction fronts in real-time. Other work has integrated in situ tomography with mechanical loading to observe the nucleation and growth of microcracks at aggregate–matrix interfaces, providing a direct link between microstructural defects and macroscopic fracture behaviour. These advances in spatial and temporal resolution have deepened understanding of structure–property relationships and informed the design of more durable, low-carbon cementitious systems.

X-Ray Tomography Applications in Cementitious Materials publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in x-ray tomography applications in cementitious materials across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

X-ray tomography: A non-destructive imaging technique that reconstructs the three-dimensional internal structure of a sample by combining multiple X-ray projections.

Micro-computed tomography: High-resolution X-ray tomography focused on micrometre-scale features, enabling detailed visualisation of pores, phases and inclusions.

Porosity: The volume fraction of void spaces within a cementitious material that influences its mechanical performance and transport properties.

Calcium–silicate–hydrate: The principal binding phase in hydrated cement characterised by a complex, gel-like nanostructure that dictates strength and durability.

Segmentation: The image processing procedure that classifies voxels into distinct material phases or features for quantitative analysis.

References

1. Analysing entrapped pores in concrete via x-ray computed tomography: Influence of workability and compaction time. Construction and Building Materials (2024).
2. Enhancing X-ray micro-CT analysis for detecting voids and carbon fibre features in fibre-reinforced cementitious composites using advanced 3D Gaussian filtering. Measurement (2025).