Analysis of Open Crack in Rock by X-ray CT

Crack aperture distribution in rock induced by splitting is estimated by the X-ray CT method. This is a promising method that measures the crack aperture from X-ray CT images. The fundamental formulae for crack aperture measurement were described first as well as the necessary noise reduction and the data processing techniques. It was found that crack aperture distribution was accurately evaluated. It was also shown that this newly developed nondestructive method by X-ray CT is effective for estimating crack aperture in rock.