• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.36 no.9
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• pp.45-55
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• 2020

X-ray computed tomography (CT) is very useful for the quantitative evaluation of internal structures, particularly defects in rock samples, such as pores and fractures. In situ CT allows 3D imaging of a sample subjected to various external treatments such as loading and therefore enables observation of changes that occur during the loading process. We reviewed state-of-the-art of in situ CT applications for geomaterials. Two triaxial cells made using relatively low density but high strength materials were developed aimed at in situ CT scanning during hydro-mechanical laboratory testing of rocks. Preliminary results for in situ CT imaging of granite and sandstone samples with diameters ranging from 25 mm to 50 mm show a resolution range of 34~105 ㎛ per pixel pitch, indicating the feasibility of in situ CT observations for internal structural changes in rocks at the micrometer scale. Potassium iodide solution was found to improve the image contrast, and can be used as an injection fluid for hydro-mechanical testing combined with in situ CT scanning.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2010.09a
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• pp.392-403
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• 2010

In this study, a new methodology by using the X-ray CT scan is proposed for estimating void ratio of very fine clayey soil. Since the particle size of the clay is too fine to calculate the volume of void inside the clays, CT scanning tests with a number of clay specimens that were artificially set to have various designated void ratios have been carried out. From the tests, a relationship between the CT values and void ratios is given to be used for estimating the invisible void ratio of very fine clay from a representative CT value scanned. The linear relationship was able to be acquired finally. It is expected that micro X-ray CT scanning can be capable of capturing the void ratio of very fine soils without any errors inherent in the conventional specific gravity tests.

• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.37 no.5
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• pp.431-441
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• 2024

A newly developed line-style sand pluviator has been calibrated to prepare repeatable sand specimens of specific statuses of compactness and homogeneity for laboratory tests. Sand is falling via a bottom slot of a fixed hopper, and by moving the sample container under the slot, the container is evenly filled with sand. The pluviator is designed with high flexibility: The falling height of sand, the hopper's opening width and the relative moving speed between the hopper and the sample box can be easily adjusted. By changing these control factors, sand specimens of a wide range of densities can be prepared. A series of specimen preparation was performed using the coarse Merwede River sand. Performance of the pluviator was systematically evaluated by exploring the alteration of achievable density, as well as checking the homogeneity and fabric of the prepared samples by CT scanning. It was found that the density of prepared coarse sand samples has monotonic correlations with none of the three control factors. Furthermore, CT scanning results suggested that the prepared samples exhibited excellent homogeneity in the horizontal direction but periodical alteration of density in the vertical direction. Based on these calibration test results, a preliminary hypothesis is proposed to describe the general working principles of this type of pluviators a priori, illustrating the mechanisms dominating the non-monotonic correlations between control factors and the relative density as well as the vertically prevalent heterogeneity of specimens. Accordingly, practical recommendations are made in a unified framework in order to lessen the load of similar calibration work.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.61-69
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• 2017

This study presents the experimental results of $CaCO_3$ formation in sand by the Enzyme Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) method. Concentration of $CaCO_3$ with elapsed reaction time is calibrated by standardized procedure by measuring $CO_2$ pressure, and it increases with time towards asymptotic value. Jumunjin sand saturated with EICP solution shows that both shear wave velocity and electrical conductivity sharply increase as the reaction starts to approach to the constant values after 50 hours of reaction time. Urease concentration of 0.5 g/L exhibits 224% higher final shear wave velocity than that of 0.1 g/L. The nucleation models hint that carbonate tends to precipitate not only at grain contacts but also at grain surfaces. Regardless of urease concentration, electrical conductivity and shear wave velocity follow the unique path. The scanning electron microscopic images and X-ray computed tomographic images validate the spatial configuration of produced $CaCO_3$ in soils.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.327-337
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• 2016

In this study, laboratory hydraulic fracturing tests are carried out to evaluate the effects of the cleavage anisotropy of Pocheon granite. Breakdown pressure is smaller when cracks are generated to the direction of rift plane in constant pressurization rate condition because of higher microcracks density. Besides not only injection rate changes but also the amount of injection pressure for fracture initiation and crack expansion is detected while testing due to internal deformation. Pressurization rate is higher while hydraulic fracture testing with constant injection rate condition in case of the specimen which has rift plane perpendicular to borehole because there are much flow paths to penetrate compared to the specimen which has hardway plane perpendicular to borehole. Observation by X-ray CT scanning shows that almost all of cracks due to hydraulic fracturing are generated to the direction of plane which has higher microcrack density that is rift plane or grain plane.