APPLICATION OF BACKSCATTERED ELECTRON IMAGING TO CONCRETE MATERIALS

The technique of backscattered electron images (BEI) has been establis hed as a method for quantitative analysis of hardened cement paste. Th is paper describes work in its application to concrete and mortar. Abs olute accuracy is neither possible nor essential. Results show that te chniques used to determine degrees of hydration and porosity can readi ly be applied to concretes and provide a powerful tool to determine th e effect of factors such as different curing conditions. Work was carr ied out initially on laboratory samples prior to its application to ma terials obtained from construction sites.