X-ray computed tomography (CT) methods and specialized triaxial equipment were developed to quantify void ratio distribution within saturated sand specimens reconstituted by water pluviation and moist tamping methods during undrained triaxial compression and extension. The CT measurements were obtained at several points along the stress path of each specimen without significant removal of axial load. It was observed that two reconstitution methods yielded very different void ratio distributions within specimens. Significant void ratio redistribution occurred within each specimen during the undrained shearing tests. The influences of void ratio redistribution on globally observed specimen responses are discussed. The findings of this research investigation provide unique insight into fundamental aspects of saturated sand behaviour during undrained triaxial shearing.
Nano- scale X-ray Computed Tomography: Morphological Analysis of Fuel Cell Electrodes