Measuring pore sizes of nonwoven geotextiles by X-ray CT images: a comparative evaluation

Abstract

This paper focuses on evaluating the pore sizes of four nonwoven geotextile specimens with different pore size distribution techniques. The paper introduces a bubble analysis technique to find the two-dimensional (2D) pore size distribution of geotextile specimens. A new method is also introduced to determine the three-dimensional (3D) constriction sizes of nonwoven geotextiles from X-ray CT images. The digital image concept and image processing methods for the 2D image analysis and 3D constriction size measurement of geotextile specimens are explained. Finally, the paper compares the 3D constriction sizes with those measured from 2D image analysis, mercury intrusion porosimetry, manufacturer-reported opening size values based on the wet sieving method, and pore sizes calculated from theoretical equations. The results show that the largest pore opening sizes measured from the 3D constriction size method are in good agreement with the theoretical equations. The values measured from the wet sieving method were found to be the smallest, indicating the limitations of the wet sieving method to determine the largest pore opening size of nonwoven geotextiles. As it is the constriction size which must control filtration behaviour, the 3D constriction size method is recommended for assessing the reference porometry.