Determination of steel fibres distribution in self-compacting concrete beams using X-ray computed tomography

In this paper a study concerning an automatic determination of distribution of steel fibres in self-compacting concrete (SCC) is presented. The determination of fibre distribution is required to assess any relationship between those features and casting methods of concrete elements. Concrete beams with steel fibres of various types and casting methods were examined. Involved methods were computed tomography imaging followed by image analysis. After image analysis a label map consisting of all detected fibres was obtained, from which position and orientation in 3D of each fibre was calculated. The fibre distribution analysis was performed. The angles between the fibres and the beam main axis were examined. Statistical data analysis was performed that showed that the fibres' angles exhibit exponential distribution. Graphical visualization using 4D spherical histograms for quick assessment of fibres orientation is also presented.