Microtomography

X-ray microtomography (XMT) can be used to document damage progression and failure properties of concrete and cement-based materials. XMT is similar in practice to conventional CAT-scans used in medical applications, however synchrotron radiation is used as the x-ray source instead of conventional x-ray tubes. When combined with a suitable x-ray detector, high resolution three dimensional images of the specimens are possible.

You can find more information on this technique at Eric’s web site.