Evaluation of waste-entrained concrete using image analysis and quantification

Image analysis techniques were used to characterize the composition of waste-entrained concrete, and to provide quantitative data on the size, shape and location of each component in the samples. Multiple samples were analyzed to determine the degree of heterogeneity in the sample. Homogeneous samples were characterized by soils that occur in numerous, small isolated islands within the large, convoluted cement objects. Compressive strength is high because of the presence of hardened concrete framework. Porosity is restricted to nonsoil zones, lowering the probability of leaching by percolating fluids. The heterogeneous samples contain numerous cement islands within a soil matrix. Compressive strength is low because the load must be supported by the soil rather than the cement. Long fluid pathways, often in contact with the soil characterize these samples.