Multiscale X-ray tomography of cementitious materials: A review

International audienceX-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