ABSTRACT
By means of SEM combined with EDS and digital image process, the relationship between microstructure characteristics, relative oxide content, area ratio of capillary pore versus W/C ratio of concrete were studied. The quantitative examination of oxides content and area ratio of view area under specified magnification can be considered as supplementary methods besides the visual comparison of SEM photographs for determining the unknown W/C ratio of structural concrete. SEM used for assessing the deterioration of fire-damaged concrete structures was also studied. Samples sustained high temperatures revealed significant temperature-related cracking features.
