Estimation of the structure of air entrained concrete using a flatbed scanner

This paper describes the possibilities of estimating the structure of concrete with the help of automatic image analysis using a high-resolution flatbed scanner. Sample preparation techniques and components of the image analysis system are described. Concerning the structure of the entrained air voids system, it was found that the results obtained using a high-resolution flatbed scanner were comparable to those obtained by conventional methods, i.e. using a system equipped with stereomicroscope. The possibility of automatically measuring the paste content in hardened concrete by analysis of plane sections, taking into account information available in RGB histograms, is also presented. A new procedure is proposed for the identification of the distance from the cement paste to periphery of the nearest air void, which enables rapid evaluation of the quality of the air entrainment treatment The procedure also allows some characterization of the aggregate component.