Abstract
X-ray computed microtomography (µCT) is a promising non-destructive imaging technique based on measurements of the attenuation of X-rays. It provides information on the internal structure of small samples with a maximum resolution of 10 µm. For this study, two porous local natural building stones, the sandstone of Bray and the limestone of Maastricht, were selected. Possible applications of the µCT-technique for qualitative monitoring of changes comprise (1) to non-destructively determine porosity based on 3-D images, (2) to visualise weathering phenomena at the micron-scale, (3) to understand the rationale of weathering processes, (4) to visualise the presence of water repellents and consolidation products, (5) to monitor their protective effects during decay in order to understand the operating mechanisms and (6) to provide advise on the suitability of products for the treatment of a particular rock type. The µCT-technique proves to be a powerful monitoring tool for the future as the combination of 3-D visualisation and 3-D data provide new insights that could optimise conservation and restoration techniques of building materials.
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Acknowledgements
This study is supported by the Institute for the Promotion of Innovation by Science and Technology in Flanders, Belgium, through a PhD grant to V.C. The authors also thank Eric Pirard, Jean-Pierre Cnudde and Catherine Girard for their help in the development of the new software. The collaborators from FTB Restoration, Eddy De Witte (the Royal Institute for the Study and Conservation of Belgium’s Artistic Heritage) and Rolf De Bruyn, Yves Vanhellemont and Dominique Nicaise (Belgian Building Research Institute, BBRI) are acknowledged for their contribution in the research on water repellents, consolidants, weathering and restoration.
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Cnudde, V., Jacobs, P.J.S. Monitoring of weathering and conservation of building materials through non-destructive X-ray computed microtomography. Env Geol 46, 477–485 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1049-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-004-1049-5