Analysis of microstructure of prefabricated fractured granite under thermal effects based on CT technology

Abstract

In this study, Computed Tomography (CT) technology was employed to visually analyze the influence of thermal effects on the microstructure of prefabricated fractured granite. The porosity and heterogeneity of the samples were calculated using three-dimensional reconstruction techniques, and two parameters, crack length and orientation, were introduced to quantitatively evaluate the impact of prefabricated fractures on subsequent crack propagation. The results indicated that at 400 °C–500 °C, numerous microcracks were generated within the samples, but they did not interconnect. Above 600 °C, microcracks gradually propagated, forming well-connected crack networks. Due to the uneven thermal stress distribution caused by the prefabricated fractures, samples subjected to temperatures above 600 °C exhibited higher heterogeneity in the vertical direction. While in other directions, the samples gradually tended to homogenize as the temperature rose. Below 500 °C, crack length was significantly affected by the prefabricated fractures, although this influence diminished with increasing distance from the fractures. When the temperature was below 400 °C, microcracks mainly propagated along the direction of the prefabricated fractures. However, when the temperature exceeded 500 °C, microcracks began to initiate and propagate in the opposite direction of the prefabricated fractures, and anti-wing cracks started to emerge.