Three dimensional particles identification and shape parameters research on coarse aggregates of asphalt mixture using X-ray CT images

In this paper a series of digital image processing methods were adopted for getting separated coarse aggregates from asphalt mixture specimen using high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) images.The existing three dimensional (3D) particles matching methods based on two dimensional (2D) continuous cross-sections were analyzed and a new ’overlap area method’ was presented.After the 3D particles were extracted one by one successfully,the basic parameters of each aggregate:perimeter,area,surface area,and volume were calculated by chain code method.Finally,the 3D mass center coordinates and the sphericity index were introduced.