Electron microscopy for the evaluation of concrete surfaces modified by gamma radiation. En: Current microscopy contributions to advances in science and technology

Abstract

As we know the electron microscopy has shown its effectiveness as tool for surfaces analysis. Depending on the material is possible to describe surface features as roughness, smoothness, and so. In the case of composite materials is essential the analysis of the contributions of each component of the composite. For the case of concrete or mortar materials, some approaches have been developed and general statements are taken as standard parameters. The hydraulic concrete derived from a mixture of cement, rough and fine aggregates and water. Each one contributes on the final features of concrete, including the mechanical properties. The morphology of each component takes into account size, shape, roughness, etc. In this chapter we discuss the importance of the electron microscopy for to describe the influence of the components after mechanical testing, and some predictions can be planned for to avoid fractures.