SOIL COLUMN DESCRIPTIONS FROM X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY DENSITY IMAGES

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Abstract
Conventional methods for measuring soil bulk density do not allow one to observe three-dimensional density distribution in a nondestructive manner. X-ray tomography, or computer-assisted tomography (CT), was originally developed for medical purposes, but offers the possibility of studying other matter within the density range of human body components. We have applied CT to the study of packing arrangement and density of soil columns used in experiments concerning water transport and wastewater purification. The results show that CT is a valuable tool in describing column experiments. CT has elucidated the packing procedure for soil columns, factors of importance for water flow, and has reduced uncertainties about the experimental conditions. The information obtained by CT is essential for making comparisons with other experiments and has initiated vital improvements in column construction.