Monitoring of internal failure evolution in soils using computerization X-ray tomography

Computerized X-ray tomography (CT) has been used in disciplines such as soil science, geology and rock mechanics to analyze the texture of geomaterials. However, this potentially useful method has not thus far been used adequately in engineering geological analyses.To investigate its feasibility, CT is utilized in this study to monitor the evolution of internal failure in soil masses. An apparatus that can be fitted into the chamber of a medical CT was built to conduct geotechnical tests. Loading and shearing experiments were performed on bentonite, kaolinite, sand, silicon powders, and glass beads. CT images have been taken on different cross-sections inside the specimens to monitor soil deformation continuously. The results of direct shear, horizontal and vertical loading tests are presented and discussed. It has been demonstrated that CT is a powerful non-destructive and non-invasive tool for engineering geological analyses.