Digital measurement of 2D and 3D cracks in sandstones through improved pseudo color image enhancement and 3D reconstruction method

An integrated approach of improved pseudo color image enhancement (IPCE) method and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology is proposed. The evolution characteristics of two-dimensional (2D) and 3D spatial cracks in X-ray computed tomography (CT) images of sandstones subjected to triaxial compression with confining pressure of 10, 20, and 30 MPa are investigated. The equations of crack width, length, and dip angle are established based on the proposed digital damage ratio. Based on the pseudo color images, point cloud maps with roughness and spatial images of cracks are investigated. The numerical results show that this proposed method is effective to study and understand the fracturing properties of rocks.