The shape of aggregate particles can significantly influence certain properties of concrete, both in its fresh and hardened states. Therefore, there is a need to be able to completely characterize the shape of aggregate particles, in three dimensions, in order to develop computational models that accurately predict properties. In the past, numerous methods have been suggested for this task. However, these methods are often only applicable to two-dimensional images of particles, they output a single or a few values, and fail to characterize the true shape of the particle. X-ray tomographic techniques allow the capturing of the true shape of particles and have been applied to concrete aggregates. Computed tomography has been used to characterize coarse and fine aggregate particles, while X-ray microtomography has been used to characterize particles passing the 75 m sieve. Sample preparation methods and scanning parameters applicable to concrete aggregates have been developed. The spherical harmonic method was used to efficiently store shape information, and to calculate useful parameters for individual particles, such as volume and surface area. Comparisons of the results to properties determined using other techniques were made and it was determined that the results of indirect or two-dimensional shape and size characterization methods can be misleading.Aggregates Foundation for Technology, Research, and Education (AFTRE)Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineerin
